Plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong under Regulation (EU) No 284/2011

From 1 July 2011, a new Commission Regulation (EU) No 284/2011 lays down specific conditions and detailed procedures for the import of polyamide and of melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China (China) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Hong Kong). These specific conditions include that plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong shall be imported into the Member States only if the importer submits to the competent authority for each consignment a declaration and a laboratory report confirming that it meets the requirements concerning the release of primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde.

You can read the full text of the regulation on the Eur-lex website (pdf document).

Importers/food businesses must pre-notify the competent authority at the first point of introduction at least two working days in advance of the estimated date and time of physical arrival of consignments. The UK has designated specific First Points of Introduction (FPIs) for these consignments originating in, or consigned from, China and Hong Kong.

A documentary check and an identity and physical check, including sampling for laboratory analysis of 10% of such consignments, will take place at the FPI. Fees will be payable to the relevant authority where these controls apply and will not be higher than the costs incurred by the authorities. The European Commission will shortly issue guidance on the application of the regulation and a link to this will then be provided.

Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 284/2011 requires Members States to maintain and make publically available an up-to-date list of the designated FPIs. The list of FPIs can be found below. This list gives the name of the port and the FPI unit number.

If a port or airport operator wishes to apply for designated FPI status to handle consignments of polyamide and of melamine plastic kitchenware, then please complete the application form at the link below and email it to imported.food@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk