Import of plastic kitchenware from China

KEY POINTS

Import conditions

• The competent authority at the first point of introduction into the EU must carry out documentary checks on all consignments and identity and physical checks on 10% of consignments. Only then may the goods be released onto the market.
• To demonstrate compliance and to facilitate the checks, an importer must submit a declaration for each consignment to the competent national authority. This confirms that the consignment meets requirements concerning the release of the organic compounds primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde. The declaration must include a laboratory report showing that:
  • polyamide kitchenware does not release primary aromatic amines into foods or food simulants in a detectable quantity (the detection limit must be 0.01 mg/kg);
  • melamine kitchenware does not release formaldehyde into foods or food simulants in a quantity exceeding 15 mg/kg.
• The authority must complete the physical checks as soon as technically feasible; from then on transportation is allowed but only when certain conditions are met.
• The authority must indicate in the declaration whether the goods are acceptable or not for free circulation within the EU.
• If the laboratory analysis reveals that a consignment does not comply with the import conditions, the European Commission must be immediately informed through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.
• Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 also applies to this kitchenware.

Notification

• Importers must notify the authority at the first point of entry into the EU at least 2 working days in advance of the estimated date and time of the physical arrival of their consignments.
• If an EU country designates specific first points of entry, an up-to-date list must be published online and the internet address must be sent to the Commission.
• A link to national lists of first points of entry is displayed on the Commission website for information purposes.

Reporting

• Competent authorities must record:
  • the country of origin of the consignment,
  • the number of articles in each consignment,
  • the number of consignments checked,
  • the results of the checks performed.
• A report with this information must be sent to the Commission on a quarterly basis.