In December 19, 2024, the European Commission (EC) introduced Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, enforcing a strict ban on bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food-contact materials. This measure aims to enhance consumer safety by eliminating harmful chemicals from products like plastics, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.
Table of Contents
The Ban
This regulation enforces a broad prohibition on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food-contact materials. Effective from January 20, 2025, the ban extends to BPA’s salts and derivatives in products such as plastics, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, ion-exchange resins, silicones, and rubber. This regulatory action marks a significant change from the initial draft presented in February 2024, which originally overlooked certain substances like bisphenol S (BPS).
Scope and Exceptions of the Ban
The newly adopted regulation extensively restricts BPA and similar compounds but does allow for minimal exemptions. BPA can still be used in producing polysulfone filtration membrane assemblies and specific liquid epoxy resins for self-supporting food-contact articles exceeding 1,000 liters. These permitted applications are strictly regulated, requiring non-detectable BPA migration levels (below 1 µg/kg) and mandatory cleaning of final products before food contact.
Inclusion of Other Hazardous Bisphenols
The regulation broadens its coverage beyond BPA to include other hazardous bisphenols and derivatives (listed in Annex VI, Part 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 as category 1A or 1B carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction or category 1 endocrine disruptor for human health). Use of these substances in food-contact materials is now banned unless specifically authorized. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is tasked with publishing guidelines by January 2027 to outline how manufacturers can seek authorization for such substances.
Regulatory Changes and Industry Impact
Significant amendments have been made to the EU Plastics Regulation (Reg. No. 10/2011). BPA and BPS have been removed from Annex I, severing their previous regulatory permissions. This change was unexpected, as the initial draft did not propose the removal of BPS, leaving industry stakeholders without the chance to comment on the implications. Additionally, BPS does not benefit from the transition periods granted to BPA, potentially resulting in immediate enforcement of the ban on BPS-containing products.
Conclusion
The EU’s decisive move to ban BPA and related hazardous bisphenols in food-contact materials underscores a robust commitment to public health. By closing regulatory loopholes and tightening safety standards, this regulation aims to minimize consumer exposure to harmful chemicals. While industries face significant adjustments, these measures are a critical step towards ensuring safer food packaging and protecting consumers’ well-being across Europe.
You can access the official Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 here.
