Cookie consent(s)
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze traffic. This is done only with your explicit consent. By clicking "ACCEPT ALL," you agree to the processing and sharing of your data with our partners for social media, advertising, and analytics, including in third countries in accordance with Art. 49(1)(a) GDPR and Art. 17(1)(a) FADP (Switzerland). There is a risk that your data may be monitored by authorities without legal recourse. You can change or revoke your consents at any time in the data privacy settings .
Data protection declaration | Legal notices
Settings

The EU Packaging Regulation comes into force in August 2026

PFAS: Strict Thresholds for Food Packaging

Mar 06, 2026

The EU Packaging Regulation comes into force in August 2026

The new EU Packaging Regulation comes into force on August 12, 2026. From that date, packaging manufacturers must comply with a number of requirements: DEKRA’s chemical experts note that very strict thresholds will apply for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in food packaging in particular. Manufacturers must also issue an EU declaration of conformity and prepare technical documentation.

The EU Packaging Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) repeals Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. It will apply in all EU Member States from August 12, 2026, bringing a number of new requirements for the manufacturers of packaging.
Also from that date, new thresholds will apply for PFAS that come into contact with food products. PFAS is the umbrella term for per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, which are non-degradable and some of which are also harmful to health (forever chemicals). Various PFAS are used in cardboard packaging products to prevent the moisture from food soaking into them.
The restriction on the use of PFAS is very extensive. It is not limited to individual compounds but applies to all compounds that satisfy PFAS criteria. Moreover, the threshold values are extremely low, which will result in a significant risk of them being exceeded due to carryover and trace contamination, according to DEKRA’s experts:
• 25 ppb for any single compound
• 250 ppb for the total of all single compounds identified
• 50 ppm for total fluorine in all PFAS, including polymers
In addition, packaging manufacturers must comply with a large number of requirements to reduce waste, including, for example, recyclability, recycled content, packaging minimization, and labeling. These requirements will be introduced stepwise in the years ahead.
Moreover, from the date the legislation enters into force, manufacturers must perform internal production controls to assess conformity prior to placing their products on the market. One key aspect of this is technical documentation.
DEKRA is supporting companies in implementing these requirements. More information: https://www​.dekra​.de/de/chemikaliensicherheit/
The DEKRA Laboratory for Environmental and Product Analytics – part of DEKRA Automobil GmbH – offers PFAS analytical services to the manufacturers and distributors of products for food contact applications and consumer goods.
Show all press releases