{"id":11671,"date":"2026-03-02T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T05:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T09:53:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T06:53:11","slug":"denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Denmark Executive Order on Food Contact Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Following the public consultation discussed in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/new-denmark-food-contact-materials-regulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">October 2025 article<\/a>, Denmark has now formally adopted its new <a href=\"https:\/\/members.wto.org\/crnattachments\/2026\/TBT\/DNK\/26_00867_00_x.pdf#filename=tbt-dnk_lead-cadmium_da.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Executive Order<\/a> on Food Contact Materials (FCMs). The final text confirms many of the draft provisions previously outlined while clarifying timelines, enforcement duties and technical requirements. The Order is scheduled to enter into force on July 2026, with the new migration limits for lead and cadmium applying from January 2027. These developments mark the transition from proposal to binding national law and provide businesses with greater certainty on compliance expectations and implementation deadlines.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#_Entry_into_Force_Confirmed_With_Staggered_Application\" >\u00a0Entry into Force Confirmed, With Staggered Application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#Declaration_of_Compliance_DoC_Requirements\" >Declaration of Compliance (DoC) Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#Vinyl_Chloride_Detection_Method_Defined\" >Vinyl Chloride: Detection Method Defined<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#Regenerated_Cellulose_Films_Positive_List_and_EU_Alignment\" >Regenerated Cellulose Films: Positive List and EU Alignment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#Lead_and_Cadmium_Migration_Limits_New_Categories_Confirmed\" >Lead and Cadmium Migration Limits: New Categories Confirmed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#PFAS_Ban_in_Paper_and_Board_Functional_Barrier_Clarified\" >PFAS Ban in Paper and Board: Functional Barrier Clarified<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#Explicit_Withdrawal_Obligations\" >Explicit Withdrawal Obligations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/denmark-executive-order-on-food-contact-materials\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Entry_into_Force_Confirmed_With_Staggered_Application\"><\/span><strong>\u00a0Entry into Force Confirmed, With Staggered Application<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In our earlier article, we noted that the draft was expected to replace Executive Order No. 681 of 25 May 2020. The adopted version confirms this repeal and formally sets:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>1 July 2026<\/strong> as the general date of entry into force<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 January 2027<\/strong> as the date when Section 10 (new migration limits for lead and cadmium) becomes applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This implementation gives businesses additional time to adapt testing procedures for ceramic, enameled and glass articles.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Declaration_of_Compliance_DoC_Requirements\"><\/span><strong>Declaration of Compliance (DoC) Requirements <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As anticipated in the draft, the final Order confirms strengthened documentation obligations:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>A written <strong>Declaration of Compliance (DoC)<\/strong> is required for FCMs marketed in Denmark at stages prior to retail.<\/li>\n<li>Ceramic articles not yet in contact with food <strong>must<\/strong> <strong>be accompanied by a specific DoC<\/strong> up to and including the retail stage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vinyl_Chloride_Detection_Method_Defined\"><\/span><strong>Vinyl Chloride: Detection Method Defined<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The adopted Order maintains the strict requirement that food contact materials must not release vinyl chloride in detectable quantities. Detection must follow the analytical method specified in the annex, using <strong>gas chromatography with headspace<\/strong>, with a detection limit of <strong>0.01 mg\/kg<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11668 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ARTICLE-GUIDE-COVER-PICS-1024x768.png\" alt=\"Denmark Executive Order on Food Contact Materials\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ARTICLE-GUIDE-COVER-PICS-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ARTICLE-GUIDE-COVER-PICS-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ARTICLE-GUIDE-COVER-PICS-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ARTICLE-GUIDE-COVER-PICS.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regenerated_Cellulose_Films_Positive_List_and_EU_Alignment\"><\/span><strong>Regenerated Cellulose Films: Positive List and EU Alignment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The final Order confirms that regenerated cellulose films may only be manufactured using substances listed in the annex and under specified conditions. It also reiterates that:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Printed surfaces must not come into contact with food<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plastic surface treatments must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10\/2011<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This provision remains largely unchanged from the draft, confirming Denmark\u2019s intention to align national rules with EU plastics legislation while retaining specific national controls.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lead_and_Cadmium_Migration_Limits_New_Categories_Confirmed\"><\/span><strong>Lead and Cadmium Migration Limits: New Categories Confirmed<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Section 10 introduces updated migration limits for lead and cadmium for ceramics enameled articles and glassware (0.2 mg\/l for lead, 0.02 mg\/l for cadmium), with testing to be carried out according to the specified analytical method in the annex.<\/p>\n<p>The final adoption confirms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Refined <strong>product categorization \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Clear<\/strong> <strong>reference<\/strong> to the testing methodology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Specific reference <\/strong>to ceramic articles consisting of container fitted with ceramic lid (limits apply to the container only)<\/li>\n<li>Delayed application until <strong>1 January 2027<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PFAS_Ban_in_Paper_and_Board_Functional_Barrier_Clarified\"><\/span><strong>PFAS Ban in Paper and Board: Functional Barrier Clarified<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the most significant measures remains the <strong>restriction on PFAS in paper and board food contact materials<\/strong>. The Order confirms that such materials may not be marketed in Denmark where PFAS are used, <strong>unless a functional barrier<\/strong> <strong>effectively prevents migration into food<\/strong>. This confirms Denmark\u2019s precautionary approach and reinforces its position at the forefront of PFAS-related packaging controls within Europe, while also providing <strong>clearer legal framing<\/strong> for operators assessing barrier performance and material composition.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explicit_Withdrawal_Obligations\"><\/span><strong>Explicit Withdrawal Obligations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The adopted version also places clearer emphasis on <strong>operator responsibility<\/strong> in cases of suspected non-compliance. Where a business believes or has reason to believe that food contact materials it has produced, imported or distributed <strong>do not comply with food safety requirements<\/strong>, it must <strong>immediately withdraw<\/strong> the product from the market and <strong>notify<\/strong> the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denmark has now moved decisively from consultation to adoption, confirming stronger documentation duties, stricter chemical controls, clarified PFAS restrictions in paper and board and updated migration limits for ceramics and glassware. While the overall regulatory direction remains consistent with the draft discussed in our earlier article, the formal confirmation of staggered entry into force dates provides important operational clarity for businesses. With general applicability from July 2026 and new heavy metal migration limits applying from January 2027, companies supplying the Danish market should now focus on implementation planning, testing adjustments and documentation updates to ensure full compliance within the established timeframe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Denmark Executive Order on food contact materials enters force July 2026, with new PFAS and heavy metal migration limits applying January 2027.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11669,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,545,540],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11671","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-en","category-packaging-legislation-en","category-regulations-policy-en","category-28","category-545","category-540","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11671","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11671"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11671\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11678,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11671\/revisions\/11678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11671"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11671"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11671"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}