As a professional raw material supplier deeply engaged in the field of fluorescent whitening agents, Jinan Tonex has always been closely monitoring regulatory developments regarding food contact materials in major global markets. We have compiled the relevant standards and usage requirements below for the reference of industry peers:
I. Domestic Compliance Framework
China's current national food safety standard GB 9685-2016 serves as a critical basis for additives used in food contact materials. The standard explicitly permits a very limited range of fluorescent whitening agents for food packaging, primarily including Fluorescent Whitening Agent OB-1 (FWA 393) and Fluorescent Whitening Agent OB (FWA 184) , among a few other grades. It must be emphasized that no other types of fluorescent whitening agents are permitted for use in the production of food containers or packaging materials within China.
For paper-based materials, GB 4806.8-2016 further stipulates that, except for paper products that require pretreatment such as peeling, shelling, or washing before food contact, all other paper and paperboard materials and products that directly contact food must comply with the limit requirements for fluorescent substances. Additionally, compliance determination shall be carried out in accordance with the testing methods specified in GB 31604.47-2016.
II. U.S. Market Access Requirements
The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) classifies fluorescent whitening agents as indirect food additives and permits certain varieties for use in food packaging containers and uncoated paper and paperboard. However, it should be noted that U.S. standards set explicit maximum addition limits for specific fluorescent whitening agents. Companies exporting related products must strictly align with the corresponding sections of the CFR.
III. Stringent European Market Requirements
Many European countries exercise particular caution regarding materials that come into contact with fatty and liquid foods. Although Council of Europe Resolution Res AP(2002)1 permits the use of certain fluorescent whitening agents, its core requirement is that migration levels must not be detectable. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), in its Recommendation XXXVI, permits the use of colorants and fluorescent whitening agents in paper and paperboard, but equally strictly prohibits any migration of these substances into food. Furthermore, the BfR has set maximum usage limits for sulfonated stilbene derivative-type fluorescent whitening agents, requiring enterprises to conduct batch-by-batch verification to ensure compliance.
IV. Japanese, Australian and New Zealand Market Conditions
In contrast to Europe and the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand currently have no specific regulatory requirements specifically addressing fluorescent whitening agents in food contact materials. However, in actual trade practices, it is still recommended that end buyers' quality control standards be taken as the primary reference.
Jinan Tonex reminds our valued customers: Regulatory requirements vary significantly across different target markets. When selecting products, it is essential to comprehensively evaluate based on end-use applications and the standards of the export destination. Our company can provide fluorescent whitening agent products and technical support that meet multiple compliance requirements, including GB 9685, FDA, and BfR, helping our customers safely and efficiently explore global markets.