Food Contact Materials
The European Union (EU) has enacted regulations guiding the food packaging industry. The EU broadly defines foods packaging materials under the umbrella term “food contact materials,” which also includes other materials or machinery, such as coffee machines or food processers, that may come into contact with food under normal conditions. Such materials are designed to protect food products from contamination, damage, and spoilage while extending shelf life and ensuring safe transportation. They are made from materials such as plastic, paper, glass, metal, or biodegradable alternatives, and it serves to preserve freshness, maintain hygiene, and provide important information like nutritional content, ingredients, and expiration dates.
Such material are available in various forms – such as pouches, cans, cartons, and trays – food packaging can be tailored to specific types of food (fresh, frozen, processed) and storage conditions (refrigerated or shelf-stable).
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HS Classification / Description of Product
Food packaging
Legislation is designed to ensure food safety, sustainability, and proper labelling.
HS Classification
Food packaging is classified under various chapters of the Harmonized System (HS) code, primarily based on the material of the packaging.
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- HS Code: 3923
- Description: Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics
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- 3923.10: Boxes, cases, crates and similar articles
- 3923.21: Sacks and bags (including cones) of polymers of ethylene
- 3923.29: Sacks and bags (including cones) of other plastics
- 3923.30: Carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles
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2. Paper and Paperboard Packaging
- HS Code: 4819
- Description: Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing containers, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres
Subcategories include:
- 4819.10: Cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard
- 4819.20: Folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard
- 4819.30: Sacks and bags, having a base of a width of 40 cm or more
4819.40: Other sacks and bags, including cones
3. Glass Packaging
- HS Code: 7010
- Description: Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules and other containers, of glass, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods
4. Metal Packaging
- HS Code: 7310 (for iron or steel)
- Description: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel
- HS Code: 7612 (for aluminum)
- Description: Aluminum casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas)
5. Cork Packaging
- HS Code: 4503
- Description: Articles of natural cork
6. Wooden Packaging
- HS Code: 4415
- Description: Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, of wood
General requirements
All materials and articles intended to come into contact with food must comply with Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004
EU legislation
Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 This is the primary legislation governing all materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
Short summary
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Important information
Packaging materials must be safe, and manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with safety standards.
General requirements to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006
EU legislation
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006
Short summary
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006: Requires that food contact materials are produced according to good manufacturing practices.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health
Important information
The GMP Regulation generally describes requisite quality assurance and quality control systems and documentation requirements for Food Contact Material (FCM) manufacturing to ensure that materials and articles are consistently produced and conform to appropriate quality standards.
Food Hygiene
EU legislation
Short summary
The regulation emphasizes that food packaging, being in direct contact with food, must be hygienically handled to prevent contamination. This includes ensuring that packaging materials are stored, handled, and used in clean conditions and do not introduce pathogens or hazardous substances into the food.
Food packaging manufacturers and food business operators must implement practices that prevent contamination and ensure that packaging materials are fit for their intended purpose.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles must be applied to packaging materials, particularly in the food industry where there is a high risk of contamination (e.g., in food processing or packaging facilities). Companies must evaluate potential food safety hazards associated with packaging materials and ensure that controls are in place to prevent contamination.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture
Important information
Articles 9 and 12 of the domestic Law 39(I)/2017 elaborate on the obligation of the producer of food of plant origin, to either personally or through a designated person technically experienced in the hygiene of foods of plant origin and other related matters, to act as a liaison with the competent authority as well as cooperate with the Inspector in carrying out the necessary checks, inter alia.
Other useful material
This is a useful guide provided by the Department of Agriculture, focusing on the Code of Good Hygiene Practice for Foods of Plant Origin at the Primary Production Stage. The guide is available in the Greek language.
Another useful link to the Department of Agriculture providing more information on Plant health and Quality Control. This is available in the English language.
General framework for ensuring the safety of materials and articles that come into contact with food.
EU legislation
Short summary
Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 sets out the general framework for ensuring the safety of materials and articles that come into contact with food. However, Regulation (EU) No 1183/2012 amends it to include additional provisions for plastic materials and articles.
The amendment focuses on the specific migration limits (SMLs) for certain substances used in plastics and food packaging, providing clearer guidance on the safety requirements for food contact plastics.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Migration limits
EU legislation
Short summary
One of the core aspects of food packaging legislation in the EU is the concept of migration limits. These limits specify how much of a substance from food packaging (e.g., a chemical in the plastic) can migrate into food under normal use conditions. If a material exceeds these limits, it cannot be used for food contact.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service And State General Laboratory
Nanomaterials in food packaging
EU legislation
Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products and Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on Food Contact Materials
Short summary
These regulations include provisions on the use of nanomaterials in food packaging. The use of nanomaterials must be explicitly authorized, and the materials must meet the same safety standards as other materials.
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, State General Laboratory
Specific requirements for specific materials and substances
EU legislation
Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants
Short summary
The objective of this Regulation is to protect human health and the environment from POPs by prohibiting, phasing out as soon as possible, or restricting the manufacturing, placing on the market and use of substances subject to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
This regulation covers persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and includes provisions on food packaging materials that might contain harmful substances
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Labour and social Insurance
Important information
The Stockholm Convention covers 12 priority POPs, although the eventual long-term objective is to cover other substances.
The Cyprus Government ratified the POPs Convention through the “Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants Ratifying Law of 2004” (Law 42 (III)2004).
Labelling and information requirements
EU legislation
Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers
Short summary
This regulation lays down general rules about food labelling, which includes requirements for packaging. For food packaging in Cyprus, the label must include:
- Product Name: Clearly identifiable name of the food product.
- Ingredients List: All ingredients in the product, with allergens clearly marked.
- Expiration Date: “Use by” or “Best before” dates.
- Nutritional Information: Including energy value and amounts of fat, sugars, salt, etc.
Origin: In some cases, the origin of the food must be mentioned, especially for products like meat, honey, and fruit.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Important information
The main purpose of the information on food labels / packaging is to enable the consumer to choose the healthiest products from those available and is an important way for food producers to provide essential information about the nutritional value and composition of their products.
Other useful material
The domestic legislation requires that for both pre-packaged and non-pre-packaged foods sold by distance selling the mandatory food information indications are available to the consumer in the Greek language at the time of delivery, if the distance selling undertaking has its premises in Cyprus.
Here is a guide, provided in the Greek language, giving further explanations and directions on the labelling and marketing of food products.
Requirements of active and intelligent materials
EU legislation
Active and Intelligent Materials Regulation (EC) No 450/2009
Short summary
Applies to materials that actively maintain or improve the condition of food or provide information about its condition.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Requirements for ceramics
EU legislation
Ceramic materials Directive 84/500/EEC
Short summary
Establishes specific migration limits for lead and cadmium in ceramic articles, which, in their finished state, are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs, or which are in contact with foodstuffs, and are intended for that purpose
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service And State General Laboratory
Important information
Anex II of the directive provides the methods and analysis for determining the migration of lead and cadmium.
Requirements for regenerated cellulose film
EU legislation
Regenerated Cellulose Film Directive 2007/42/EC
Short summary
Specific rules for cellulose film in food contact materials. This Directive sets forth specific measures applicable to materials and articles made of regenerated cellulose film intended to come into contact with foods. It specifies the substances which must be used to manufacture such materials and articles, with a view to ensuring a high level of human health protection
REACH
EU legislation
Short summary
While not specific to food packaging, it applies to chemicals used in packaging production.
Compliance is required for any chemical substances used in packaging manufacturing process.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance
Other useful material
Smart and Active Packaging Active and Intelligent Materials and Articles
EU legislation
Short summary
The regulation covers active and intelligent food packaging materials, which are designed to actively interact with food or the environment to preserve food quality or safety. Examples include oxygen scavengers, moisture control, and smart labels.
Key provisions:
- Active packaging materials can influence the quality or shelf-life of the food, such as by removing oxygen or controlling humidity.
Intelligent packaging can provide information on the condition of the food, such as temperature indicators or sensors that monitor freshness.
Important information
The Regulation addresses active and intelligent packaging materials and sets requirements for their safety and performance. It ensures that such materials interact safely with food and the environment.
Declaration of Compliance
EU legislation
The Declaration of Compliance (DoC) for food packaging is primarily governed by Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004.
In addition, the following are important regulations concerning the DoC for food packaging: Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 and Regulation (EC) No 450/2009.
Short summary
A written declaration of compliance should be available for the competent authorities, stating that the materials comply with relevant rules.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Important information
The DoC serves as proof that food packaging meets the legal requirements concerning safety, hygiene, and consumer health.
Certificate of conformity
EU legislation
Short summary
Depending on the type of packaging and the destination country, a Certificate of Conformity for the packaging materials might be needed. This document certifies that the packaging complies with all relevant standards.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 – Materials and articles Intended to come into contact with food
Short summary
Adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance, including test results and conditions of use, must be available upon request.
Supporting documentation:
- Guidelines for compliance with the Regulation, providing detailed instructions on how materials should be tested and verified for migration and safety.
- Declarations of Compliance (DoC): Manufacturers must issue a DoC stating that the material or article complies with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and does not pose any risk to human health.
- Technical Data Sheets: Should include details about the material composition, the intended use, and any testing results that prove the material meets safety requirements.
List of Substances: The Regulation encourages manufacturers to reference European Commission’s authorized substances list to ensure that the materials used for food packaging do not release harmful chemicals.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Service
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- Migration Test Reports: These documents show the results of migration testing (specifically for plastics) to ensure that the material does not release harmful substances into food.
- Substance Lists: The regulation specifies authorized substances for the production of food contact plastics, and manufacturers must refer to the list of regulated substances.
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Declaration: This certifies that the production process follows the EU GMP requirements, ensuring food contact materials are manufactured under hygienic conditions.
Other useful material
Annex V of the Regulation (EU) No 20/2011 provides more information.
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- Compliance Statements: Food packaging manufacturers must provide evidence that their products are compliant with the requirements of specific amendments outlined in this regulation.
Migration Test Results: Specific to the substances used in plastics as outlined in Regulation (EU) No 1183/2012.
Domestic legislation
Other useful material
Annex V of the Regulation (EU) No 20/2011 provides more information.
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Directive 84/500/EEC – Ceramics in contact with food
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- Migration Test Reports: Specifically for ceramic materials such as glassware, cups, and dishes, to ensure that they do not release harmful levels of lead and cadmium.
- Compliance Statements for Lead and Cadmium Limits: Manufacturers must ensure that their ceramic materials do not exceed the migration limits for lead and cadmium as specified by the Directive.
Declarations of Conformity: For products that comply with safety limits for ceramics in food contact.
Other useful material
Annex II of the Directive 84/500/EEC provides more information.
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Directive 2011/65/EU – Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Packaging
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- RoHS Compliance Reports: This documentation proves that packaging materials meet the RoHS requirements, which limit the use of hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Substance Declaration Statements: Packaging manufacturers must submit declarations detailing the absence of restricted hazardous substances in their materials.
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Directive 94/62/EC – Packaging and Packaging Waste
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- Recycling and Recovery Reports: Manufacturers are required to submit evidence that their packaging is designed for recycling and complies with recycling targets set by the directive.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: This may include assessments of the life cycle impact of packaging and efforts to reduce waste and increase material recovery.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Documents: Under EPR regulations, packaging producers must take responsibility for the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging waste, and provide appropriate documentation on their efforts.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Food Contact Materials
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- GMP Declarations: Manufacturers must provide documentation ensuring that their production processes meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to guarantee the safety and quality of food contact materials.
- Factory Audits and Compliance Reports: These documents support the adherence to GMP by verifying the quality control measures in place in the manufacturing process.
Material Traceability Documentation: Ensures that raw materials used in food contact packaging can be traced back to their source and verified for compliance with food safety regulations.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Regulation (EU) No 852/2004 – Food Hygiene
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Plans: This documentation is required to demonstrate that the manufacturer has implemented food safety management systems in the production of packaging materials.
Hygiene Inspection Reports: Regular audits and inspection reports to ensure that food contact materials are produced under sanitary conditions.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture
Other relevant documentation needed
EU legislation
Directive 2019/904 – Single-Use Plastics (SUP)
Short summary
Supporting documentation:
- Product and Market Impact Reports: Information on how specific products, such as single-use plastics, are managed, and whether they comply with the directive’s requirements for reduction and recycling.
Alternative Materials Documentation: In some cases, manufacturers may be required to demonstrate the availability of alternative materials to replace harmful single-use plastics in packaging.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Environment
Important information
Article 36H refers to the requirements relating to the labelling of plastics. The marking of single-use plastic products shall be placed on the sales packaging.
Article 36Θ establishes an ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’, stating that producers of single-use plastic products shall cover among others, (i) the cost of the awareness-raising measures provided for in the provisions of article 36IA regarding the products in question;
(ii) the cost of waste collection for those products disposed of in public collection systems, including its infrastructure and operation, as well as the subsequent transport and treatment of the waste; and
(iii) the cost of cleaning up as a result of the release into the environment of the said products and their subsequent transport and processing.
Other useful material
Labelling requirements
EU legislation
Short summary
Article 15 Labelling – Proper labelling, including the term “for food contact” or a specific indication of use (e.g., a symbol), is required.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
Important information
Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 focuses on ensuring that food packaging does not jeopardize food safety and that consumers are provided with clear, accurate information regarding the materials they interact with.
Labeling plays a crucial role in providing consumers and regulatory authorities with the information needed to ensure safety, including material composition, usage conditions, and recycling information.
Traceability
EU legislation
Short summary
This regulation requires that food packaging manufacturers keep records of their suppliers and customers, ensuring the traceability of materials used in food contact items. This is critical for ensuring the safety of packaging materials and for responding effectively in case of a recall.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
Important information
The regulation (article 17) also requires that packaging materials are traceable, meaning that manufacturers of food contact materials must be able to identify the source of their materials. This is critical for ensuring compliance with safety standards and tracking potential contamination.
RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed)
EU legislation
The RASFF system was established by Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002.
Short summary
Its main goal is to ensure the safety of food and feed in the EU. The system allows for fast sharing of information between national authorities, the European Commission, and other stakeholders when there is a risk to consumer health, including contamination from food packaging materials.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Food Safety Council (FSC)
Important information
Economic operators should be aware that non-compliant products may be reported through this system, leading to border rejections.
Registration in TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System)
Short summary
TRACES is a European Union IT platform used for managing and monitoring the movement of goods, particularly food, feed, and animal products, within and between EU countries. It facilitates the documentation and control processes for the movement of these goods, ensuring compliance with EU regulations.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health And Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture
Important information
Areas which are not under the control of the Government of RoC do not have direct access to the TRACES system.
Environmental impact of packaging
EU legislation
Directive 94/62/EC – Packaging and Packaging Waste
EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC
Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 -Plastic Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food
Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive (EU 2019/904)
Eco-design Directive (2009/125/EC)
Short summary
Eco-Design and Life Cycle Analysis: The EU encourages companies to assess the environmental impact of packaging throughout its lifecycle. This includes the sourcing of raw materials, production processes, distribution, usage, and end-of-life disposal. This concept is embedded in EU policies encouraging the design of more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
STANDARDS
Standards according to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive - Directive 94/62/EC
EU legislation
EN 13427:2004 – Requirements for the use of European Standards in the field of packaging and packaging waste
EN 13428:2004 – Requirements specific to manufacturing and composition – Prevention by source reduction
EN 13429:2004 – Reuse
EN 13430:2004 – Requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling
EN 13431:2004 – Requirements for packaging recoverable in the form of energy recovery, including specification of minimum inferior calorific value
EN 13432:2000 (from Commission Decision 2001/524/EC) – Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation – Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging
Short summary
Product packaging manufactured in accordance with one of these standards is presumed to comply with the relevant Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive essential requirements.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Environment
Important information
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (Directive 94/62/EC) sets the framework for reducing the environmental impact of packaging by encouraging the reduction of packaging waste, enhancing the recycling and recovery of packaging materials, and promoting the use of sustainable packaging designs. Producers are held responsible for their packaging, ensuring that waste is managed effectively and that recyclable and reusable materials are prioritized.
The key standards within the directive focus on:
- Reducing packaging waste.
- Ensuring packaging materials are recyclable.
- Setting recycling and recovery targets.
- Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials.
Introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Other useful material
Article 9 of the domestic legislation L.32(I)/2002 states that a person who manufactures, imports, transports, supplies or in any way trades products in packaging that is susceptible to waste management (the economic operator) shall bear the cost of such packaging waste management.
The Department of Environment provides more information on the ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’.
Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard addresses the requirements for compostable packaging and defines the conditions under which packaging can be considered biodegradable.
Management of hygiene in the production of packaging for foodstuffs.
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies requirements for a hygiene management system for manufacturers and suppliers of food packaging including storage and transportation. This standard enables an organization to: – plan, design, implement, operate, maintain and update a hazard analysis and risk assessment system that ensures the production of food packaging materials conforming with the hygiene requirements; – demonstrate conformity with agreed customers’ hygiene requirements; – demonstrate the effectiveness of the system; – help food manufacturers to provide adequate evidence to compliance with food and packaging safety regulations; – ensure that it complies with its stated hygiene policy; – demonstrate such compliance to other interested parties; – seek registration or certification of its food packaging hygiene management system by an external organization.
Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs. Test methods for thermal shock and thermal shock endurance.
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides Test methods for thermal shock and thermal shock endurance is classified in these ICS categories: 67.250 Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs
Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs – test methods for resistance of ceramic articles
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides Test methods for crazing resistance of ceramic articles as materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs.
Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs - Silicate surfaces
EU legislation
Short summary
The standard provides the determination of the release of lead and cadmium from silicate surfaces other than ceramic ware
Ceramic ware, glass-ceramic ware and glass dinnerware in contact with food - Release of lead and cadmium
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies a test method for the release of lead and cadmium from ceramic ware, glass ceramic ware and glass dinnerware intended to be used in contact with food, but excluding vitreous and porcelain enamel articles (covered by ISO 4531). This standard is applicable to ceramic ware, glass ceramic ware and glass dinnerware which is intended to be used for the preparation, cooking, serving and storage of food and beverages, excluding all articles used in food manufacturing industries or in which food is sold.
Food packaging manufacturing
EU legislation
Short summary
Prerequisite programmes on food safety-Part 4: Food packaging manufacturing
This standard specifies requirements for establishing, implementing and maintaining prerequisite programmes (PRPs) to assist in controlling food safety hazards in the manufacture of food packaging. This Technical Specification is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size or complexities that manufacture food packaging and/or intermediate products
Important information
The ISO 22000 series is a set of international standards that focuses on food safety management systems. It helps organizations ensure the safety of food at every step of the supply chain. ISO/TS 22002-4:2013 is a guideline for establishing food safety practices
Nanotechnologies — Polymeric nanocomposite films for food packaging with barrier properties
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies characteristics including barrier properties to be measured of polymeric nanocomposite films used for improving food packaging. The barrier properties cover gas (oxygen), water vapour transmission and UV-Vis light transparency. The standard also describes the relevant measurement methods.
Transport packaging — Cleaning and sanitation methods of reusable transport items for distribution purpose
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides guidelines for the cleaning and sanitation procedures for the sanitary operation of reusable transport packaging, which are used in the fields of handling, transport, storage and display of food and non-food products.
It is applicable to all reusable transport items including reusable rigid plastic distribution boxes defined in ISO 18616-1.
Specific requirements for plastic packaging
Specific requirements for plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food
EU legislation
Plastic Materials Regulation (EU) No 10/2011
(Plastic regulation)
Short summary
Specific to plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. It includes:
- A positive list of substances authorized for use in plastic food contact materials
- Specific migration limits for certain substances
- Overall migration limit
Declaration of compliance requirement
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Food Safety Council (FSC)
Important information
In addition to meeting the Plastics Regulation’s compositional requirements, plastic materials and articles must comply with specific migration limits (SMLs) for individual substances listed on the Union List or associated annexes, as well as the overall migration limit. Products covered by the Plastics Regulation must also provide a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) at all stages of marketing, except retail. This applies to plastic materials, intermediate products, and substances used in their manufacture. Materials subject to the regulation include:
- Pure plastic materials and articles
- Multi-layer plastics held together by adhesives or other methods
- Printed or coated plastic materials and articles
- Plastic gaskets in caps and closures
- Plastic layers in multi-material, multi-layer articles.
Environmental considerations and sustainability
EU legislation
Short summary
This EU directive targets reducing single-use plastics, and it directly affects packaging materials in Cyprus. It bans certain single-use plastic items (like straws and cutlery) and places restrictions on others, promoting alternatives made from sustainable or recyclable materials.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Environment
Important information
Cyprus has adopted measures to reduce plastic use, including public awareness campaigns and financial incentives for businesses that use eco-friendly packaging.
Requirements for recycled plastic materials
EU legislation
Recycled plastic materials Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616
Short summary
Sets rules for recycled plastic materials and articles intended for food contact.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health, Food Safety Council (FSC)
Materials and articles in contact with food – glass & plastic
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies the migration testing procedures for glass /plastic materials used for food contact. It ensures that plastic / glass packaging does not release any harmful substances that could affect food safety.
Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs - plastics
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides test methods for food contact materials, covering topics such as migration tests, which determine the extent to which substances migrate from packaging materials into food.
Specific requirements for paper packaging
Paper and board. European list of standard grades of paper and board for recycling
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard defines grades of paper and board for recycling used as raw material for recycling in the manufacture of paper and board products in the paper industry.
This standard also specifies tolerances for unwanted materials as well as the composition of paper and board for recycling. Unusable materials (prohibited and unwanted materials) are clearly defined for all stakeholders involved in the management of paper and board for recycling.
Food Packaging - Non-glass containers made of other materials - safety requirements
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard covers the safety requirements for non-glass food packaging containers made from materials such as plastic, metal, and paper.
Key requirements:
- Defines safety and performance criteria for various packaging materials in contact with food.
Specifies migration testing and safety measures to avoid contamination of food products.
Domestic legislation
Food Packaging – Non-glass containers made of other materials – safety requirements
Specific requirements aiming to reduce packaging waste and its environmental impact
EU legislation
Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste (paper/cardboard, plastic, glass, metal)
Short summary
It sets out requirements for:
- Recycling: Packaging must be designed in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes recycling opportunities.
Recovery and Reuse: Encourages the reuse and recovery of packaging materials through recycling programs and reduces the amount of packaging waste going to landfills.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
Important information
Directive applicable in Cyprus as part of EU law.
Cyprus follows these EU rules by promoting recycling and encouraging companies to reduce packaging material and use recyclable or biodegradable options.
Specific measures for certain materials (e.g., paper and board, metals, glass)
Short summary
Some materials (e.g., paper and board, metals, glass) are subject to national legislation in EU member states due to lack of specific EU-wide measures.
Specific requirements for glass packaging
Glass Packaging for Food and Beverages – Bottles and Jars
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies the technical characteristics for glass bottles and jars used in food and beverage packaging.
- Requirements for Composition: Defines the acceptable compositions of glass, ensuring that the materials used do not introduce harmful substances into food.
- Physical Properties: Outlines the mechanical properties of glass bottles and jars, ensuring they meet durability and safety standards.
Testing for Migration: Although glass is typically considered an inert material, this standard requires testing to ensure that it does not release any harmful substances into food, especially during conditions of prolonged storage or heating.
Glass Containers for Food and Beverages – Specific Migration Limits (SML)
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies the migration limits for glass containers used in food and beverage packaging. It provides detailed criteria for acceptable levels of migration from glass into food.
- Testing Methodology: Outlines the procedures for determining the migration of substances, such as metal ions or contaminants, from glass containers under normal conditions.
Limits for Heavy Metals: Includes guidelines for migration limits for metals such as lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals that may be present in glass and could potentially contaminate food.
Packaging – Glass Containers for Food
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard focuses on the physical properties and performance of glass containers used in food packaging. It includes guidelines for strength, sealing, and other safety requirements to ensure that the glass is fit for purpose and does not cause harm to consumers.
Glass Containers for Food and Beverages – Determination of the Resistance to Thermal Shock
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard defines the thermal shock resistance of glass containers, which is critical for ensuring that glass bottles, jars, and other containers can withstand sudden temperature changes during use, such as from hot filling processes or during transportation and storage.
Glass hollowware in contact with food - Release of lead and cadmium
EU legislation
Short summary
This part of ISO 7086 specifies permissible limits for the release of lead and cadmium from glass hollowware that is intended to be used in contact with food. This part of ISO 7086 is applicable to glass hollowware intended for use in the preparation, cooking, serving and storage of food and beverages, excluding glass ceramic ware, glass flatware, and all articles used in food manufacturing industries or those in which food is sold.
Specific requirements for metal packaging
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Packaging
Short summary
While RoHS (Regulation 2011/65/EU) is mainly focused on electrical and electronic equipment, the concept of restricting hazardous substances is also critical in packaging materials, particularly for packaging that may contain electronic components (such as batteries, electronic tags, or wires in packaging).
Packaging for Electronic Devices: Packaging materials used in consumer electronics and electrical equipment must comply with RoHS standards, ensuring that hazardous substances are not present in packaging materials like plastic or metal components.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Packaging
Short summary
While RoHS (Regulation 2011/65/EU) is mainly focused on electrical and electronic equipment, the concept of restricting hazardous substances is also critical in packaging materials, particularly for packaging that may contain electronic components (such as batteries, electronic tags, or wires in packaging).
Packaging for Electronic Devices: Packaging materials used in consumer electronics and electrical equipment must comply with RoHS standards, ensuring that hazardous substances are not present in packaging materials like plastic or metal components.
Migration of certain elements
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifically covers the migration of heavy metals and other harmful substances from printed paper and board into food. It ensures that printed materials (such as food packaging with inks or dyes) do not release toxic substances into food.
Specific requirements for wooden packaging
Requirements for Packaging Recoverable through Composting and Biodegradation
EU legislation
Short summary
While this standard focuses on packaging materials designed for composting and biodegradation, it may be relevant if the wood packaging is intended to be environmentally friendly and meet sustainability requirements.
Wood packaging used in food contact could fall under these standards if it is compostable or biodegradable.
Specific official controls of wood packaging material
EU legislation
Short summary
Since December 2019, the competent authorities within the EU will carry out risk-based controls for wood packaging based on the relevant information available in the Information Management System of Official Controls
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture
Rules to determine the phytosanitary risks
EU legislation
Short summary
All wood packaging material and dunnage must be:
- either heat treated or fumigated in line with ISPM15 procedures;
- officially marked with the ISPM15 stamp consisting of 3 codes (country, producer and measure applied) and the IPPC logo;
made of debarked wood.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture
Specific requirements for cork packaging
Controls in respect of consignments of organic products
EU legislation
Short summary
Rules on:
(a) the verification of consignments of products intended to be placed on the market within the Union as organic products or in-conversion products and the issuance of the certificate of inspection
(b) official controls on products intended to be placed on the Union market as organic products or in-conversion products; and
(c) action in cases of suspected or established non-compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 to be taken by competent authorities, control authorities and control bodies.
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture
Other useful material
The Department of Agriculture provides important guidance to the economic operators in relation to the procedures for the certificate of inspection. They are provided in the English language.