Navigating Global Food Packaging Regulations: A Guide for Exporters

In the fast-evolving landscape of international trade, food packaging plays a critical role—not only in protecting product quality and shelf life, but also in meeting increasingly complex regulatory requirements. For exporters, navigating the differing standards across major markets such as the United States, the European Union, and Asia presents both operational and compliance challenges.

Como leading provider of customized flexible food packaging solutions, PAQUETE GQ is committed to helping export-oriented food enterprises navigate these complexities seamlessly. This guide breaks down key regulations, certification requirements, and practical strategies to meet international market access demands, leveraging our BRC and TÜV certifications to build your market confidence.

Key Regulations in Major Markets

Food contact materials (FCMs) must not transfer harmful substances to food, adhering to strict safety, migration limits, and traceability rules. Below is an overview of the primary markets as of late 2025.

United States: FDA Oversight

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates FCMs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, primarily through 21 CFR Parts 174–178. Substances are authorized via Food Contact Notifications (FCN), Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designations, or Threshold of Regulation exemptions.

Recent updates in 2025 include enhanced post-market assessments, with a new Prioritization Tool for reviewing chemicals in the food supply, and ongoing GRAS reforms potentially requiring mandatory notifications. BPA restrictions remain in place for infant formula packaging and certain resins.

Exporters must ensure materials comply with migration limits and provide supporting documentation for customs clearance.

European Union: Harmonized Framework with Stringent Updates

The EU’s core regulation is (EC) No 1935/2004, supplemented by material-specific rules like (EU) No 10/2011 for plastics. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is mandated under (EC) No 2023/2006.

In 2025, Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/351 introduced stricter purity standards for recycled plastics, tighter migration limits, enhanced NIAS risk assessments, and improved labeling for reusable items. A BPA ban in FCMs took effect from January 2025, with transitional periods.

Compliance requires Declarations of Conformity (DoC) backed by testing and traceability data.

Asia: Diverse National Standards

Asia features country-specific approaches, with increasing alignment on safety and sustainability.

China

Governed by GB standards under the National Food Safety framework. Key updates include the GB 4806 series for materials (e.g., adhesives under GB 4806.15-2024 effective February 2025) and additive lists (GB 9685). Emphasis is placed on migration testing and DoC for imports.

Japan

En Positive List system for synthetic resins was fully enforced from June 2025, with updates via Cabinet Office Notification No. 95/2025, adding substances and revising limits. Voluntary industry standards complement the Food Sanitation Act.

Other Asian Markets

South Korea and Indonesia have strengthened FCM rules, including PFAS restrictions and mandatory standards for paperboard. Singapore’s Food Safety and Security Bill phases in modernized controls through 2028.

Exporters to Asia should prioritize substance positive lists and local testing.

Certification Needs and Compliance Strategies

Certifications are essential for demonstrating safety and facilitating market entry.

Key Certifications

• BRC Global Standard: Focuses on food safety management systems and is widely recognized for packaging suppliers.
• TÜV Certifications: Verify quality, safety, and environmental performance.
• Other Key Ones: ISO 22000 for food safety management, HACCP principles, and market-specific approvals (e.g., FDA FCN or EU DoC).

Strategies for Seamless Compliance

• Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough material evaluations, including migration testing under intended use conditions.
• Supply Chain Traceability: Maintain detailed records from raw materials to finished packaging.
• Third-Party Testing: Partner with accredited labs for global standards alignment.
• Documentation Preparation: Prepare DoCs, test reports, and safety data sheets tailored to target markets.
• Stay Updated: Monitor regulatory changes, such as ongoing PFAS restrictions globally.

How GQ PACK Supports Your Export Success

En PAQUETE GQ, we transform regulatory challenges into competitive advantages. Our BRC and TÜV certifications ensure our flexible packaging meets the highest international standards, providing verifiable proof of compliance that translates directly into your market confidence.

We offer:

• Customized solutions compliant with FDA, EU, and Asian regulations
• Expert guidance on testing, DoC preparation, and certification leveraging
• One-stop support for multi-market exports, reducing risks of delays or rejections

Whether targeting the US, EU, or emerging Asian markets, as a leading food packaging manufacturer, PAQUETE GQ is your trusted partner in achieving seamless international access.

Ready to navigate global regulations