Switzerland Revises List of Substances for Food Contact Ink

In November 2020, Switzerland published RO 2020 4811 (in French, German or Italian) under Official Collection No. 149 of November 24, 2020 to replace its list of substances that are allowed for the manufacture of packaging ink and related requirements for food contact materials and articles (RS 817.023.21, in French, German or Italian). The new positive list, under Appendix 10 to RS 817.023.21 (in French, German or Italian), contains approximately 5,000 substances. 

According to the definitions in the food contact materials and articles legislation, packaging inks are:

• Mixtures of ink and printed varnishes to be printed on the surface of materials and articles that do not come into direct contact with food
• Manufactured from substances such as binders, dyes, pigments, plasticizers, solvents and other additives 
• Layers of packaging ink which, in their finished state, are thin films or printing varnishes that are dried or hardened on the surface of materials and articles

This new list of substances became effective on December 1, 2020.

SGS technical experts have extensive knowledge and testing experience in materials and articles in contact with food. They work to ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials, paving the way for compliance. From overall migration tests to expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review, SGS is the partner to trust. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website.

For enquiries, please contact:

Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
t: (+852) 2774 7420

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