AGRINFO AGRINFO logo

The latest on EU AGRI-Food policies impacting low- and middle-income countries

AGRINFO Webinar: New EU rules on bisphenol A and PFAS

  • Plastics
  • Food contact materials
  • Packaging

Summary

This webinar explained the new rules set by the European Union on BPA (bisphenol A) and PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), which will apply from mid-2026.

Webinar resources

FAQs

An FAQ document in response to questions raised during the sessions is in preparation.

Slides and videos

Webinar 1: 25 November

English:

Webinar 2: 3 December

French:

Webinar 3: 4 December

Spanish:

Portuguese:

AGRINFO webinar explains new EU rules on BPA and PFAS, coming in mid-2026

Substances of concern in packaging: New EU rules on bisphenol A and PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) – webinars November/December 2025

Update

This webinar explained the new rules set by the European Union on BPA (bisphenol A) and PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), which will apply from mid-2026.

Webinar resources

FAQs

An FAQ document in response to questions raised during the sessions is in preparation.

Slides and videos

Webinar 1: 25 November

English:

Webinar 2: 3 December

French:

Webinar 3: 4 December

Spanish:

Portuguese:

What is changing?

New rules set by the European Union (EU) on two substances of concern in food packaging – BPA (bisphenol A) and PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) – will apply from mid-2026.

For more information on the new EU rules, see:

Why?

BPA is widely used in varnishes and coatings for food packaging, but can migrate into food. From July 2026, its use will not be authorised in specific food contact materials (adhesives, rubbers, ion-exchange resins, plastics, printing inks, silicones, varnishes and coatings), with some exceptions (Regulation 2024/3190).

PFAS are persistent chemicals that represent environmental and health hazards. From August 2026, strict restrictions will apply to food contact packaging (Regulation 2025/40).

To sell packaged food in the EU, businesses must ensure compliance with these requirements via a declaration of conformity. This is initially drafted by the packaging manufacturer and then shared across the supply chain, and updated if needed.

Timeline

The new EU rules on BPA and PFAS will apply from mid-2026.

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.