CROSS-STANDARD · TOPIC PILLAR

China export standards for Food-contact materials

Food-contact materials (FCMs)—including plastics, metals, ceramics, glass, paper, and coatings that come into contact with food or beverages—must demonstrate that they do not transfer harmful substances into food above acceptable limits. Exporting FCMs from China involves navigating distinct positive-list systems for permitted substances and additives (EU Regulation 10/2011 for plastics; FDA 21 CFR for the US), migration testing protocols (overall migration, specific migration limits), and material-specific standards such as LFGB in Germany or AP(2004)1 for silicone. Some markets require supplier declarations of compliance; others conduct active import surveillance. The pages below compare the applicable substance restrictions, migration test requirements, and documentation obligations for each market covered.