EU’s BPA Ban Transition Deadline Reached: Key Regulations and Implications

The European Union’s ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials reached its main transition deadline on July 20, 2026. Following the adoption of Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 in December 2024, the regulation prohibits the use of BPA in most food contact articles, with limited exceptions. This ban affects a wide range of products, including polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins commonly used in food packaging, such as metal can coatings and reusable containers.

Despite the deadline, food packaged in BPA-containing materials will not be immediately removed from shelves. Single-use food contact articles placed on the market before July 20, 2026, can still be utilized for another year, allowing food businesses to sell existing stock. Reusable articles introduced by the deadline may remain available until July 20, 2027.

Certain products, particularly those deemed technically challenging, have extended timelines. For instance, single-use articles for preserving specific fruits, vegetables, and fish, as well as metal items with exterior BPA coatings, can be marketed until January 20, 2028, with an additional year for sealing food. Furthermore, reusable equipment for professional food processing is allowed until January 20, 2029.

The regulation includes specific allowances for liquid epoxy resins used in large food contact articles and polysulfone filtration membranes, provided that BPA migration into food is undetectable and the articles are properly cleaned before use. These measures reflect the EU’s commitment to enhancing food safety and sustainability in packaging practices.