Update on Chinese National Standards for Food Contact Materials

Chinese National Standards for Food Contact Materials – Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority Issues Information Notice to Trade.

China has made significant revisions to its national standards governing food contact materials under the GB 4806 series. This series plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of materials used in direct contact with food items.

Mandatory Compliance with Revised Standards

These updated standards are now in effect, and compliance is obligatory for all food contact materials and products marketed in China. Stakeholders in the food processing and packaging sectors should take note of these changes to ensure their products meet the new regulations.

Key Updates in GB 4806

The revisions within the GB 4806 series involve technical updates that replace multiple standards previously established under the GB 4806-2016 framework. Significant among these changes is the introduction of new standards that cater to emerging materials categories, including:

• Adhesives
• Inks
• Composite materials used for food contact applications

Guidance for Irish Exporters

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) strongly advises all Irish exporters planning to enter the Chinese market to engage with their import partners. This collaboration is essential for verifying compliance with the newly updated GB 4806 series.

Contact Information

For queries related to this Information Notice, please reach out to: SFPATradeandAudit@sfpa.ie

About the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)

The SFPA is an independent statutory agency dedicated to the regulation of the sea-fisheries and seafood production sectors. Its mission includes promoting adherence to the EU Common Fisheries Policy, as well as fisheries and food safety laws specifically concerning fish and fish products. The authority ensures compliance through verification processes and necessary enforcement actions.

The SFPA oversees all fishing activities within Ireland’s 200-mile maritime limit and is responsible for monitoring over 2,000 Irish-registered fishing vessels, regardless of their operating locations. The agency also regulates seafood produced in Ireland’s processing facilities, functioning through a network of regional offices located at major fishery harbours across Ireland.

For more information, visit: www.sfpa.ie