Surface Coatings Testing

No specific harmonised regulation at EU level exists that specifies which basic substances may be used and which tests shall be conducted.

However, there are several recommendations issued by the EU and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment which can be used to lean on in the assessment of which substances may be used in the manufacture of surface coating agents – and which tests shall be conducted to ensure compliance with the current legislation on food contact materials and articles.

There are different recommendations for different basic materials – aluminium, plastic, paper, etc. In additon, the coating type decides which recommendation to lean on. In other words, requirements for the non-stick coating of a fry pan and the wax coating of a paper plate differ – which is probably not surprising and just meant as an example.