SG 114/26
European Union (EU) plans to establish a migration limit for styrene in plastic food contact materials (FCMs) and articles.
In July 2026, Denmark’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries launched a consultation on a revised European Commission draft regulation proposing a specific migration limit (SML) for styrene.
What does this draft regulation require?
Key provisions in the draft regulation (version 2) include:
- Establishing a SML for styrene (FCM) substance no. 193) in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 on food contact plastics (current consolidated version to February 2026, see Table 1 below)
- Introducing transitional measures for compliant food contact plastics prior to the date of entry into force of this amendment
| Citation | Scope | Requirement for SML of styrene (FCM substance no. 193) | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 | Food contact plastics |
| In force |
| Draft regulation version 2 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 as regards a migration limit for the substance styrene | Food contact plastics |
| Proposed to enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) |
| ¹For food contact plastics not yet in contact with food, SML compliance must be assessed using food representing worse foreseeable use regarding the migration of styrene into food | |||
Table 1
Who is impacted?
The revised draft regulation affects stakeholders across the food contact plastics supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other economic operators in the EU.
When is the deadline for submitting comments?
Comments were accepted until August 7, 2026. According to the consultation letter, the updated proposal is expected to be voted on by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF Committee) on September 25, 2026.
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