25 ppb per PFAS, 250 ppb in total, 50 ppm overall: from 12 August 2026, fixed PFAS limits apply to packaging in contact with food, with no sell-off period.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) make paper and board grease- and water-repellent. From 12 August 2026, the PPWR strictly limits them in food packaging. Under Art. 5(5), packaging in contact with food may not be placed on the market if it reaches or exceeds these values:
- 25 ppb for any individual PFAS, measured by targeted analysis
- 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS, measured by targeted analysis
- 50 ppm for total PFAS, including polymeric PFAS
If the total fluorine content exceeds 50 mg/kg, the manufacturer must demonstrate on request where the fluorine comes from.
Important in practice: the limits apply to the entire packaging unit, including printing inks, coatings and adhesives. There is no sell-off period for goods placed on the market after the deadline.
Compliance is demonstrated with test reports. In Certiflow, the supplier uploads the lab report in the portal and the AI reads the measured values, so that your quality assurance can compare them with the limits.
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