EU 10/2011 Food Contact

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EU Regulation 10/2011 (the Plastics Implementing Measure, or PIM) is the strict backbone of all food-contact materials sold in the EU/UK. It controls every plastic item that touches food: kitchen utensils, storage containers, packaging films, baby bottles, coffee machine parts, reusable cups, cutting boards, seals, coatings, and multi-layer materials.

The rules are merciless:

• Only authorized substances on the Union List may be used  
• Specific Migration Limits (SML) as low as 0.01 mg/kg for dangerous chemicals (e.g., BPA, phthalates, primary aromatic amines)  
• Overall Migration Limit of 10 mg/dm² (60 mg/kg) for everything that can leach into food  
• Mandatory Declaration of Compliance (DoC) and supporting test reports required at every supply-chain stage

Silicone, rubber, inks, adhesives, and recycled plastics have additional strict rules.

Non-compliance triggers immediate consequences: border seizures, nationwide recalls, destruction of entire shipments, fines up to 10% of global turnover under the Official Controls Regulation, retailer delisting, and devastating publicity when consumers discover “toxic” plates or bottles.

Major retailers and manufacturers now demand full 10/2011 test reports and documentation before onboarding new suppliers. One failed migration test can lock you out of the entire European market for years.

Professional food-contact testing, DoC (Declaration of Conformity) creation, and reformulation support are not optional extras. They are the only way to guarantee your products stay on shelves and out of headlines. Don’t gamble millions on untested materials. 

Perform a risk assessment  or Book a compliance review and secure your food-contact compliance today before your next shipment is blocked.