China GB 4806.7-2023 Food Contact Plastics: Key Compliance Updates
China’s food contact plastic regulation has made significant progress in regulatory revision in recent years. The previous GB 4806.6-2016 food contact plastic resin and GB 4806.7-2016 contact plastic material and article were finally merged into GB 4806.7-2023. The new standard has been officially implemented on September 6, 2024.
The integration of GB 4806.6 and GB 4806.7 aims to establish a more comprehensive standard for plastic products. This consolidation incorporates updated technical requirements, including revisions to the positive list and migration testing protocols, notably the addition of limits for aromatic primary amine indicators.
Key Update in GB 4806.7-2023
- New Test Indicator: Aromatic Primary Amine Limit
For food contact plastic materials and articles containing aromatic isocyanates or azo colorants that may potentially generate aromatic primary amines, it is mandatory to conduct overall migration testing for total aromatic primary amines added as a new test indicator.
- Inclusion of Starch-Based Plastics
In terms of the regulatory scope, this revision expands the standard to include starch-based plastic materials. The starch used in starch-based plastic materials and articles intended for food contact should be edible starch or modified starch. The edible starch must comply with the provisions of GB 31637, while the modified starch should be a variety approved by GB 2760 and relevant announcements, and its quality specifications must meet the requirements of the corresponding national food safety standards.
Overview of Revisions
The GB 4806.7-2023 standard introduces several key changes across multiple sections:
| Serial Number | Section | Revision Content |
| 1 | Scope of Application | · Scope Revision: merge the previous two standards, GB 4806.6 and GB 4806.7, and include starch-based plastics |
| 2 | Term Definition | · Definition Modification: resin, masterbatch, plastic material, and product |
| 3 | Technical Requirement | Raw Material Requirement:
· Resin: add approved resins · Additive: add requirements for plant fiber fillers · Starch: add requirements for starch in starch-based plastics |
| Physical and Chemical Indicator:
· Revision explanation: explanation of restrictive requirements for total migration and potassium permanganate consumption indicators · New indicator: total migration of aromatic primary amines |
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| Other Technical Requirement:
· Add relevant regulations on coatings, printing inks, and/ or adhesives |
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| 4 | Other | · Migration Test: add special provisions for this standard |
| · Label Requirement: delete special requirements and only comply with the provision of GB 4806.1 | ||
| 5 | Appendix | · Amend Appendix A: revise the name, limit, and related requirements of some polymers in Table A.1
· Add Appendix B: the meaning of plastic resin abbreviations |
REACH24H Compliance Tips
GB 4806.7-2023 was officially implemented in September 2024. REACH24H advises relevant companies to stay updated on this regulation, conduct compliance testing according to the revised standard, and update the Declaration of Compliance (DoC) to ensure full compliance with the new product standard.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H is well-versed in providing one-stop FCM compliance consulting across China, the US, the EU, Switzerland, Canada, and MERCOSUR as well as food contact recycled plastics certification in the US and EU.
For expert guidance on GB 4806.7-2023 or other FCM regulatory requirements, contact REACH24H today. Should you have any questions or need assistance with FCM-related matters, please do not hesitate to reach out.
