What is BPA and why is it banned in food contact materials in the EU?
Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical historically used in certain plastics and epoxy resins, including applications in food contact materials. The European Food Safety Authority concluded in 2023 that BPA poses a health concern for all consumer age groups, reducing the tolerable daily intake by a factor of 20,000. Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, adopted in December 2024, bans the use of BPA in food contact materials placed on the EU market.
What is Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190?
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans the use of Bisphenol A and sets stricter rules for other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials. The regulation entered into force on 20 January 2025, with transition periods of 18 months for most products and longer periods for specific applications running to 2028 and 2029.
Does BPA Safe mean zero BPA?
BPA Safe does not mean absolute absence. It means that BPA migration is not detectable above the defined detection limit of 1 µg/kg under test conditions. The method, detection limit and test conditions must be clearly documented.
Is the term BPA Safe legally defined in EU legislation?
The regulation sets compliance obligations and restrictions, but does not define BPA Safe as a legal label. Any BPA compliance claim must be truthful, substantiated and not misleading, and must be backed by clear technical documentation.
Does the ban apply only to BPA or also to other bisphenols?
The regulation explicitly addresses other hazardous bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives, including substances such as BPS, and sets conditions for their use or prohibition in food contact materials.
What is migration testing and why is it relevant for BPA compliance?
Migration testing measures whether a substance transfers from a material into food or food simulants under defined conditions. For BPA compliance, migration testing demonstrates whether BPA is detectable under realistic use conditions. Testing must use methods capable of reaching the detection limit of 1 µg/kg.
What is the difference between a test report and a BPA Safe certificate?
A test report documents analytical results for a specific sample tested under specific conditions at a specific point in time. A BPA Safe certificate adds a controlled scope, defined claim wording, validity rules and requirements for reassessment if relevant changes occur.
How long is a BPA Safe certificate valid?
The certificate remains valid for two years, provided that the formulation, suppliers, production process and regulatory conditions remain unchanged. If relevant changes occur, reassessment is required.
What could make a certified product no longer eligible for the BPA Safe claim?
Examples include a formulation change, a supplier change, a process change affecting migration behaviour, or new regulatory requirements that fall within the certification scope.
Do retailers and brand owners require BPA documentation?
Increasingly, yes. Retailers, private label buyers and multinational brand owners request documented evidence for BPA compliance claims as part of supplier qualification, ESG policies or internal compliance systems.
Can manufacturers place a BPA Safe logo on products without certification?
Manufacturers are responsible for any claim they place on the market. Without robust analytical evidence and a clear definition of what BPA Safe means, claims may be difficult to defend when challenged by customers, auditors or authorities.
Does BPA assessment apply only to food packaging?
No. BPA assessment may also apply to materials used in food processing equipment, reusable containers, kitchenware and certain other applications where food contact legislation applies.
How does BPA Safe certification support audit readiness?
A structured BPA Safe certification file provides clear documentation of compliance, reducing the risk of difficulties during audits by customers, certification bodies or competent authorities.
Is BPA Safe certification relevant outside the European Union?
Yes. While this certification is aligned with EU legislation, many global markets monitor EU regulatory developments closely. Demonstrating compliance with strict EU standards can support international market access and customer confidence.
Where can I find the official text of Regulation (EU) 2024/3190?
How do I request a BPA Safe assessment for my product?
Contact Sander Aalders for an initial evaluation. He will assess whether your product and material qualify for the BPA Safe by Triskelion certificate and explain what the process involves for your specific application.
