In June 2022, Ukraine became an official candidate to join the European Union. In the intervening months, the nation has begun working to align national regulations on chemicals management and standards for food contact materials with those of the EU.
On October 31, 2022, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health published and informed the World Trade Organization of a draft order limiting vinyl chloride monomer (CAS 75-01-4) concentrations to 1 mg/kg of a food contact material (FCM) or article. The order states that it is designed to implement a European Council directive (78/142/EEC) from 1978. Stakeholders can comment on the WTO notification until January 3, 2023. The order will likely go into force by May 2023.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies vinyl chloride as a carcinogen. Vinyl chloride and other monomers are the building blocks of polymers, such as plastics, rubber, and silicones and can migrate into food (FPF reported). Vinyl chloride is specifically used to create polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics.
In August 2022, Ukraine also proposed banning 2,4,4′-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan, CAS 3380-34-5) in plastic FCMs, tightening migration limits of lead (CAS 7439-92-1) and cadmium (CAS 7440-43-9) in ceramic FCMs, and limiting the use of N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances in elastomer and rubber teats and soothers for babies. All restrictions go into effect within three to six months from publication and would further align Ukrainian regulations with that of the EU.
References
Ukraine Ministry of Health (October 31, 2022). “Draft order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine ‘On approval of Requirements for materials and objects containing vinyl chloride and intended for contact with food products’.” (in Ukrainian)
Ukraine (November 4, 2022). “WTO notification: Draft order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.” World Trade Organization (pdf)
SGS (September 16, 2022). “Ukraine announces draft orders for certain food contact materials and articles.”
Read more
Clelia Oziel (November 8, 2022). “Ukraine proposes vinyl chloride restriction in FCMs.” Chemical Watch
Eline Schaart (September 6, 2022). “Ukraine proposes restrictions on substances in FCMs.” Chemical Watch
