22 January 2024
Regions concerned: France and Europe
Products concerned: non-food packaging
What substance regulations can apply to my packaging?
In order to preserve the environment and consumer health, various regulations limit the presence of several substances considered dangerous not only in marketed products but also their packaging. Today we need to focus on the requirements for these.
Directive 94/62/EC (Europe)
Directive 94/62/EC establishes European Union rules for the management of packaging and packaging waste. It aims to improve environmental quality by preventing and reducing the impact of packaging and packaging waste on the environment. It is to this extent that it regulates the presence of heavy metals in packaging placed on the market.
REACh Regulation (Europe)
The role of Regulation No. 1907/2006 (REACh) is to identify, evaluate and control chemical substances manufactured, imported and placed on the European market.
Its impact on packaging, it will be necessary to control the presence of “substances of very high concern” (SVHC). If their concentration is greater than 0.1% by mass, there is an obligation to communicate to the consumer.
POP Regulation (Europe)
EC Regulation No. 850/2004 (or “POP Regulation”) prohibits and restricts the production, placing on the market and use of “Persistent Organic Pollutants” (POP) either as such or in preparations, either in the form of an article constituent. Producers must therefore ensure that these substances, listed in Annexes I and II of this regulation, are not present in their packaging.
AGEC law (France)
Law No. 2020-105 of February 10, 2020 relating to the fight against waste and the circular economy, known as the AGEC law, also has an impact on substances in packaging. Indeed, its article 13, which regulates the environmental information to be communicated to consumers, establishes requirements on dangerous substances. The decrees published in 2023 give the lists of these substances to be communicated on a dedicated web page in the event of a concentration greater than 0.1% by mass in the packaging.
Mineral oils have also been banned in printing inks since 2023 with gradual application.
How does TÜV SÜD support you in your compliance?
TÜV SÜD offers chemical analysis testing to help industry and manufacturers comply with the ever-growing list of national, regional and international regulations on the safe use of chemicals. To ensure compliance with the requirements of packaging regulations, companies are required to perform chemical analysis testing throughout the supply chain and on their final product. TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of accredited and widely recognized testing and certification services around the world.
About the author:
Anne-Sophie Quinquis
Chemical and environmental engineer
TÜV SÜD France
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