Service Challenges:

What specific regulations are in place to control packaging materials in Europe and America?

What specific hazardous substances are regulated in packaging materials?

Service Background

EU Packaging Regulation (Directive):

The EU Packaging Regulation (EU) 2025/40, also known as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This regulation entered into force on February 11, 2025, and will fully apply from August 12, 2026. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) will be repealed from August 12, 2026, with some exceptions. All packaging and packaging waste placed on the EU market, regardless of material used, whether such packaging used in or packaging waste originates from industry, commerce, offices, shops, services, households, or other places, must comply with the requirements of the PPWR.

US TPCH:

In 1992, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) established the Toxics in Packaging Clearing House (TPCH), which is dedicated to promoting the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation to U.S. states and supporting and coordinating the implementation of these regulations. Currently, the TPCH requirements have been adopted by 19 states across the U.S., and they apply to the entire packaging supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers of packaging and packaging components, and producers or distributors of products using packaging.

Initially, TPCH regulated only four heavy metals: lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium. In February 2021, TPCH updated its Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation, adding restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates. Given the wide influence of this model law in the U.S., packaging for products exported to the U.S. is generally required to comply with requirements.

Evaluation criteria

EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC, EU Packaging Regulation (EU) 2025/40, EU REACH Regulation, EU POPs Regulation, EU Food Contact Materials Regulation EC (No) 1935/2004, US TPCH

Test items and limits

Solution

Testing for EU Packaging Regulation (Directive) and TPCH Restricted Substances

Material Risk Assessment

Internal and Supplier Compliance Training and Consulting Services

Our Strengths

CTI  has many advanced equipments and has passed CMA/CNAS qualification accreditation, the test data is accurate and reliable, and the test report has international credibility.

The scientific laboratory information management system ensures the efficient operation of each service link.

The technical expert team has rich practical experience and can provide professional, rapid and comprehensive one-stop service.

The service network is all over the world, and many first-line brands designate cooperative laboratories.

FAQ

Q1: Can the EU Packaging Directive (94/62/EC) test for packaging materials also cover the report on the four regulated heavy metals under the U.S. TPCH?

Yes, it can. The heavy metals and their respective limits regulated by both the EU Packaging Directive and the TPCH are identical. However, it is important to note that while the requirements are the same, the regulatory focus in different regions typically references local standards. The EU Packaging Directive references the European Standard IEC 62321 for testing. If TPCH requires reference to this data, it is necessary to confirm that the buyer accepts this test method.

Q2: Are there specific lists of PFAS substances regulated by the EU Packaging Regulation and phthalates and PFAS substances regulated by the U.S. TPCH?

The EU Packaging Regulation and the U.S. TPCH Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation only provide definitions for PFAS substances and phthalates, but do not list specific substances.

Q3: What is the situation regarding sample quantity and testing cycle?

Due to the varying testing items applicable to different packaging products and materials, please consult the CTI Service Window for each test cycle.