SG 110/23
Albania requires a declaration for importing polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong. The new law will become effective on September 30, 2024.
On August 1, 2023, Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ministër i Bujqësisë dhe Zhvillimit Rural) issued Act No. 17 of July 14, 2023 (Act No. 17/2023) to establish specific conditions and detailed procedures for importing polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China (China) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Hong Kong).
Act No. 17/2023 is partially aligned with Regulation (EU) No. 284/2011 in the European Union (EU) on rules for importing food contact polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong. It:
- Directs the importer to submit a declaration to the authorities confirming that each consignment meets the specific migration limit (SML) for formaldehyde and primary aromatic amines (PAA), as defined respectively, in Annexes I and II to Act No. 12 of January 6, 2017 ‘For Plastic Materials and Articles Intended to be in Contact with Food’ (Act No. 12/2017):
- ≤ 15.0 mg/kg formaldehyde in foods or food simulants for melamine kitchenware
- ≤ 0.01 mg/kg PAA in foods or food simulants for polyamide kitchenware
- Specifies the format for declaration (Annex)
- Requires the declaration to be accompanied by a test report demonstrating compliance with the migration of formaldehyde from melamine kitchenware and PAA in polyamide kitchenware
- Instructs importers or their representatives to notify the Border Inspection Point (Pikën e Inspektimit Kufitar (PIK)) at the point of cargo entry at least two working days before the estimated date and time of consignment arrival
- Directs the National Food Authority (Autoritetit Kombëtar i Ushqimit (AKU)) to:
- Carry out documentary checks on all consignments upon arrival
- Identify and perform physical checks, including laboratory analysis of 10% of consignments
Act No. 17/2023 in effect enforces the SML requirements for PAA in polyamide and formaldehyde in melamine kitchenware falling under Act No. 12/2017.
The new law will become effective on September 30, 2024.
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. Discover more on our website.
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