SG 073/26
China informs World Trade Organization (WTO) of draft national standard on regenerated cellulose materials and articles intended for food contact.
On May 12, 2026, the WTO announced a draft national standard from China’s National Health Commission establishing the nation’s requirements for food contact regenerated cellulose materials and articles.
What does the standard require?
Key requirements include:
- Providing clear definitions of food contact regenerated cellulose materials and articles, with cellophane and regenerated cellulose casings identified as examples
- Reinforcing that food contact regenerated cellulose materials and articles must comply with the requirements specified in national standard GB 4806.1 ‘General Safety Requirements on Food Contact Materials and Articles’
- Clarifying technical requirements, including:
- Raw materials (additives) must comply with GB 9685 ‘Standard for Uses of Additives in Food Contact Materials and their Products’ and any official announcements
- Sensory/organoleptic properties
- Migration indicators using specified methods, including overall migration, heavy metal as lead in an acidic environment at a defined time and temperature, as well as residual lead and arsenic
- The use of coatings, inks and/or adhesives must comply with relevant national standards for such materials
- Authorizing the use of GB 31604.1 ‘General Rules for Migration test of Food Contact Materials and Products’ and GB 5009.156 ‘General Principle of Migration Test Pre-treatment Method of Food Contact Materials and Their Products’ for migration testing.
- Directing the use of GB 4806.1 for labeling requirements
Who is impacted?
The draft standard would affect stakeholders across the food contact regenerated cellulose materials and articles supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in the China market.
When is the final date for comments?
According to the WTO document, comments will be accepted until July 11, 2026.
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