Plastic Kitchenware: Conditions of Import from China and Hong Kong

Controls are in place for plastic kitchenware made from polyamide or melamine that comes from China or Hong Kong under Regulation (EC) 284/2011. This is because harmful chemicals have been found to move from some plastics into food. The European Commission believes that manufacturing checks in these countries are not strong enough. Because of this, the products must be tested before they are shipped, and the test results must be sent to Port Health along with a declaration.

You can find more information about the rules on the the Food Standards Agency website.

Any products affected by this regulation can only enter the EU through a Border Control Post (BCP).

What Importers Must Do

Importers and food businesses must:

• email porthealth@nmandd.org
• send notice at least two working days before the consignment physically arrives
• submit a Plastic Declaration Document (PDD)
• include a laboratory test report for each consignment

You can download the PDD and guidance document below.