Regulatory Upgrades in China’s Food Contact Materials (FCM) Standards
Regulatory Upgrades in China’s Food Contact Materials (FCM) Standards
China is significantly tightening its Food Contact Material (FCM) regulations. By integrating the Additives Standard (GB 9685) with updated testing methodologies (GB 31604 series), the new framework establishes a rigorous, full-chain supervision system for plastics, coatings, and silicones.
I. Stricter Additive Restrictions: The "Zero-Tolerance" Approach
The latest revisions demonstrate a decisive shift toward eliminating high-risk substances:
• Targeted Prohibitions: Five high-risk phthalates, including DAP and DBP, are now prohibited to mitigate reproductive and developmental toxicity.
• BPA Limit Reduction: The Specific Migration Limit (SML) for Bisphenol A has been slashed 12-fold, from 0.6 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg, aligning with the stringent requirements of GB 4806.10-2025.
• Inventory Streamlining: 401 substances have been delisted to eliminate redundancy and focus on functional additives.
II. Enhanced Analytical Precision (GB 31604.30-2025)
Effective September 2025, this standard elevates testing performance:
• Expanded Scope: Monitoring now covers 19 phthalates, specifically introducing a standardized method for DIDP.
• Optimized Workflows: Refined protocols for ethanol and fatty food simulants improve precision across plastic, rubber, and coating matrices.
• Standardized Calculation: Updated migration formulas ensure higher accuracy and inter-laboratory reproducibility.
III. Synergistic Material Standards
• GB 4806.10-2025 (Coatings): Expands the authorized resin list from 105 to 346 items and introduces strict limits for Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs).
• GB 4806.16-2025 (Silicones): A dedicated standard that bans phthalate plasticizers and mandates TVOC ≤ 0.5%.
UPC Group is committed to navigating global regulatory shifts. We provide high-performance, compliant plasticizer solutions to help you meet the world's most rigorous safety standards.
Author
WenXin Li | RSBU Senior Engineer | Group Quality Control Center
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