The Danish government has announced an advisory limit on the use of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in paper and cardboard food packaging. Environment Minister in Denmark showed the paper and paperboard food contact materials (FCMs) should not contain harmful fluorinated substances and the limit should be taken seriously as a ban.

There is a similar guideline limit in Germany where most businesses make use of the limits during the production of paper and paperboard for packaging and many are even on their way to look for safer alternatives.

However, there is no strict regulation at EU-level. So the Danish ban on paper and paperboard FCMs is possibly to be introduced as a directive.

In the meantime, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is evaluating the necessity of additional regulation on non-plastic FCMs. Furthermore, EU also intends to draft limits on the application of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in electronics & electrical, apparel and in REACH regulation.

Reminder: Though it is an advisory ban without enforcement currently, exporters should take notice as it may be enacted into legislation by authorities at any time. Actions should be taken to avoid trade barriers.