Update: EU on plastics in contact with food

Brussels, 27 February 2025. The European Commission has published the new Regulation (EU) 2025/351, which introduces substantial changes to the current legislation on food contact materials. Specifically, key aspects of Regulations (EU) 10/2011 on plastic materials, (EC) 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practices (GMP) and (EU) 2022/1616 on recycled plastic have been revised.

Table of contents

1. Main news

2. Repercussions for industry and trade

3. Future prospects

4. Sources consulted

Comisión Europea: Actualización Normativa sobre materiales plásticos en contacto con alimentos

Main news

1. Labeling requirements and Declaration of Conformity

   • The obligation to indicate specific information on the labelling of plastic products intended to come into contact with food is reinforced, in order to improve transparency and facilitate the identification of materials by consumers and competent authorities.

   • The Declaration of Conformity for plastics is undergoing a review of its content and format. This document, which accompanies the material throughout the supply chain, must contain updated technical data demonstrating compliance with European regulations.

     
     

2. New good manufacturing practice guidelines for plastics reprocessing

   • The text incorporates specific GMP guidelines for the reprocessing of plastics falling under the scope of Regulation (EU) 10/2011. These guidelines focus on ensuring the quality and food safety of the final products, as well as promoting more sustainable production processes.

     
     

3. Entry into force and transitional measures

   • Regulation (EU) 2025/351 will enter into force on 16 March 2025, 20 days after its official publication.

   • In order to facilitate the adaptation of companies, transitional periods are established. Among the most notable, it is specified that those articles that do not comply with the new requirements, but have been marketed for the first time before September 16, 2026, may remain on the market until stocks run out.

     
     

Repercussions for industry and trade

Industry experts say that the implementation of these changes will have a significant impact on traceability and quality management throughout the production chain.

On the one hand, the food industry will be forced to strengthen the control of its manufacturing and labelling processes, which, in turn, could lead to higher operating costs.

On the other hand, strengthening food safety standards and promoting sustainability are expected to contribute to improving consumer confidence and the competitiveness of European companies in the long term.

Organisations such as the European Plastics Producers Association (EPA) have also highlighted the importance of close collaboration between the private sector and EU authorities. This interaction will be essential to ensure effective implementation of the new rules and to avoid possible imbalances in the supply and demand of plastic materials intended for contact with food.

Future prospects

The new regulatory framework reinforces the European Union's strategy on the circular economy and sustainability. The implementation of these requirements is expected to lead to a progressive reduction of the industry's environmental footprint, by incorporating more efficient processes and promoting innovation in the design and reprocessing of plastic materials.

Sources consulted

• Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

• Regulation (EU) 2025/351 of the European Commission.

• Regulation (EU) 10/2011 on plastic materials in contact with food.

• Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practices.

• Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 on recycled plastics.