In a notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on November 22, 2019, Morocco has proposed new migration limits for chemicals in food contact materials (FCMs). As reported by regulatory news provider Chemical Watch, the limits are to be applied to all importers and producers of FCMs made from metals and alloys, paper and cardboard, ceramics, plastic materials, inks, coatings and varnishes for printing packaging intended for food contact, silicone elastomers and rubber, regenerated cellulose films, and packaging pigments and dyes. The migration limits vary by chemical and by material they are to be used in.
For plastic FCMs, the draft standard references an earlier standard from 2016 with already defined migration limits. Notably, the new standard further specifies that plastics “whose traceability is lost” (such as those that contain recycled plastics) are not to be used in food contact applications. The draft standards are currently open for public comment until January 21, 2019, and no proposed date for adoption has been disclosed in the WTO notification.
Read More
Ginger Hervey (December 4, 2019). “Morocco proposes migration limits for food contact materials.” Chemical Watch
Keller and Heckman LLP (February 12, 2020). “Morocco Notifies WTO Concerning New Food Packaging Requirements.”
Reference
WTO (November 22, 2019). “Draft Joint Order of the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forestry, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Industry, Investment, Trade and the Digital Economy No — laying down the composition and conditions of use of packaging or packaging made of materials intended to come into contact with primary products and food products.” (pdf) (in French)
