Which PFAS limits apply to food contact packaging?

Since 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging may not be placed on the market if it reaches or exceeds any of the following limits:

• 25 ppb for individual PFAS under targeted PFAS analysis, with polymeric PFAS excluded from that quantification
• 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS determined by targeted analysis, where applicable after prior conversion of precursor compounds, likewise excluding polymeric PFAS from the quantification
• 50 ppm for PFAS including polymeric PFAS

Total fluorine content is not the same as PFAS content. If total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg, it must be possible to demonstrate on request which share of the measured fluorine is attributable to PFAS and which to non-PFAS.

What counts is the food-contact packaging at the time it is placed on the market. The guidance expressly notes that sales and grouped packaging is regularly placed on the market only after filling, when final processing steps such as sealing can affect conformity.