EU Updates Plastics Food Contact Materials Regulation with Six New Substances Added to Positive List Image

EU Updates Plastics Food Contact Materials Regulation with Six New Substances Added to Positive List

Date
17 Mar 2026

Reference source : Official Journal of the European Union

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Positive List (Annex I) Specific Migration Limits (SMLs) Plastic Food Contact Materials Regulation (EU) No 10/2011

On 3 February 2026, the European Commission published Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/245, amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The amendment introduces six new substances to the positive list of authorised substances in Annex I, and updates existing entries and verification requirements.

Six Substances Added to the Positive List

The update expands the list of authorised substances that can be used to manufacture plastic food contact materials. The six newly authorised substances are included with specific conditions of use, including migration limits and restrictions.

FCM No.

Substance Name

CAS No.

Key Restrictions

1084

Phosphorous acid, triphenyl ester, polymer with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and polypropylene glycol, C10–16 alkyl esters

1821217-71-3

Additive in polyolefins (≤0.15% w/w); SML 5 mg/kg (phosphite/phosphate); not for infant formula/human milk

1089

Calcium tert-butylphosphonate

81607-35-4

Nucleating agent in polyolefins (≤0.15% w/w); temperature limits up to 130°C; not for infant formula/human milk

1092

Amines, di-C14–C20-alkyl, oxidised, from hydrogenated vegetable oil

1801863-42-2

Additive (≤0.1% w/w); only for non-fatty foods; not for infant formula/human milk

1093

Wax, rice bran, oxidised

1883583-80-9

Additive (≤0.3% w/w) in PET, PLA, rigid PVC; only for non-fatty foods

1094

2,2′-oxydiethylamine

2752-17-2

Comonomer (≤14% w/w); SML 0.05 mg/kg; oligomer migration limit; not for infant formula/human milk

1096

Wax, rice bran, oxidised, calcium salt

1850357-57-1

Additive (≤0.3% w/w) in PET, PLA, rigid PVC; only for non-fatty foods

These additions follow safety assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and reflect the ongoing updating of the positive list in line with scientific and technical progress.

Amendments to Existing Entries

The Regulation also amends existing entries in Annex I, particularly FCM No 768 (Amines, di-C14–C20-alkyl, oxidised, from hydrogenated tallow; CAS No. 143925-92-2) which has been revised, including a name change and has updated restrictions limiting its use to non-fatty foods under specified conditions.

In addition, a new verification requirement specifies that water must be used as a test medium for compliance verification of 2,2′-oxydiethylamine instead of standard food simulants.

Entry into Force

The Regulation entered into force on 23 February 2026.


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