EU new regulations will implement plastic cutlery industry impact

The EU has previously issued a new regulation (EU) No284/2011 on plastic food and kitchenware imported from China, which will be formally implemented on July 1.

This regulation is mainly aimed at polyamide and melamine resin kitchen utensils originating in or originating in the Mainland of China or Hong Kong, China. The new regulations have increased the intensity of sampling inspections and require the competent authorities of EU member states to carry out laboratory tests on imported goods at a sampling rate of 10%.

New regulations implemented on July 1

The new act requires kitchen utensils originating in or originating in mainland China or Hong Kong, China that contain the above-mentioned materials. Each batch of goods must provide a statement that proves that it meets the requirements of the European Union regarding primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde and must be accompanied by appropriate Test Report.

This new EU regulation requires that the importer or his representative should inform his or her agency at least 2 working days before the relevant goods are expected to arrive at the first point of entry. The competent authority will inspect the document data of all goods within 2 working days after the goods arrive at the first place of import, and identify and physically inspect the goods.

At the same time, the regulations also specifically require the competent authorities of EU member states to carry out laboratory tests on imported goods at a sampling rate of 10%. If a non-conformity is found during the testing process, the Member States shall promptly inform the Committee through a rapid warning system. Only after all inspections are completed and the results are qualified, the relevant goods can freely enter the EU commodity market for circulation.

Related companies have little impact

In response to the new regulations, many export companies stated that they have little impact on them.

A staff member from Wangxing, Zhejiang Taizhou Xumei Plastics Co., Ltd. said in an interview that "the detection has been strengthened, but we are all in line with the standards."

Zhou Dewen, president of the Wenzhou Small and Medium Enterprises Development Promotion Committee, believes that “the EU’s move shows that foreign demand for Chinese exports is getting higher and higher. Products that do not meet the requirements will be rejected, and some companies may suffer short-term losses. However, it has also forced Chinese companies to constantly adjust their strategies based on changes in international market requirements and improve product quality."

Dong Jinshi, executive vice president and general secretary of the International Food Packaging Association, said in an interview that the new regulations did not raise requirements for related standards, but imposed more stringent requirements on importation by member states and increased the proportion of spot inspections. From the past, less than 1% of sampling ratios have been raised to 10%. Such a large proportion of sample inspections will lead to fewer counterfeit fishes.

"The increase in the European Union's demands will be a fatal blow to fake and shoddy enterprises. It will in fact not have much impact on formal enterprises. It is good news," he said.