Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food (Framework Regulation)
Materials and articles that in their finished state are intended to be, already are, or can reasonably be expected to be brought into contact with food or to transfer constituents to food (packaging, kitchenware, tableware, processing machinery).
Market: European Union. Legal basis: Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. The table shows what the official pages state, with the wording and the date we read it. A row marked "Not stated" means the pages we read do not say; it does not mean there is no rule.
What the official pages state
| Question | What the official page states | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Materials and articles that in their finished state are intended to be, already are, or can reasonably be expected to be brought into contact with food or to transfer constituents to food (packaging, kitchenware, tableware, processing machinery). Matches products that: touches food. Further conditions: Excludes antiques, edible coverings/coatings that form part of the food, and fixed public or private water supply equipment. Whether a product can reasonably be expected to contact food is a judgement. Specific EU measures (e.g. plastics, ceramics) add further rules; other materials may be subject to national law. Official wording2. This Regulation shall apply to materials and articles, including active and intelligent food contact materials and articles, (hereinafter referred to as materials and articles) which in their finished state: | publications.europa.eu read 2026-10-03 |
| How conformity is shown | Depends on the product or standards (see the note) No third-party certification route is stated. A written declaration of compliance is required for materials and articles covered by specific EU measures (Art. 5); in the absence of specific measures national rules on declarations may apply. Appropriate supporting documentation must be available to authorities. Official wording1. The specific measures referred to in Article 5 shall require that materials and articles covered by those measures be accompanied by a written declaration stating that they comply with the rules applicable to them. | publications.europa.eu read 2026-10-03 |
| Mark and declaration | none; Declaration of compliance (for materials and articles covered by specific measures) No CE marking. Materials not yet in contact with food when placed on the market must carry the words 'for food contact', a specific indication of use, or the glass-and-fork symbol of Annex II (not obligatory for articles clearly intended for food contact), plus manufacturer/seller name and address and traceability labelling. Official wordingthe words ‘for food contact’, or a specific indication as to their use, such as coffee machine, wine bottle, soup spoon, or the symbol reproduced in Annex II; | publications.europa.eu read 2026-10-03 |
| Official fee | Not stated | — |
| Steps and documents | Included in the $49 checklist. See the checklist | — |