Malaysia Updates Regulations for Food Contact Ceramics

The Government of Malaysia introduced several changes to the regulations controlling food contact ceramics in April 2017.

On April 3, 2017, Malaysia published Food (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2017, in the Federal Government Gazette. This amends Food Regulations 1985 [P.U. (A) 437/1985], the so-called ‘Principal Regulations’. Changes include:

• Amending migration limits for cadmium to become less stringent, in:
1. Small hollowware – 0.5 mg/L, up from 0.20 mg/L
2. Large hollowware – 0.25 mg/L, up from 0.20 mg/L
• Replacing MS ISO 6486-1 (Ceramic ware, Glass Ceramic ware and Glass Dinnerware in Contact with Food – Release of Lead and Cadmium, Part 1: Test Method) with MS 1817-1 (Ceramic Tableware – Specifications). This amendment is essentially editorial

These amendments became effective on April 15, 2017.

On April 14, 2017, Malaysia also announced controls on the importation of ceramic wares under Regulation 28 of the Food Regulations 1985. These include a requirement for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for lead and cadmium. Shipments received without a COA will automatically require the examining authorities to action Examination Level Five (5) – Hold, Test & Drop (TUL), before the consignment can enter Malaysia.

These changes will come into force on July 15, 2017, although the announcement does include a grace period of three months for consignments of ceramic ware that are already in the process of being imported into Malaysia.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has produced a new guidance booklet to help the food contact ceramics industry understand the new importation procedures and the amendments regarding cadmium migration limits.

In Malaysia, food contact ceramics are regulated by the Thirteenth Schedule (Regulation 28) to Food Regulations 1985. This law demands food contact ceramics comply with, among others, the migration of lead and cadmium, physical/performance characteristics and labeling requirements. Small utensils, for example chopsticks, espresso cups, salt & pepper shakers, saucers and soup spoons, are exempt from the labeling requirements but they must be stated on the outer packaging.

SGS Home Furnishings & Houseware Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Learn more about SGS’s Home Furnishings & Houseware Services (www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/hardgoods/home-furnishings-and-houseware)

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Malaysia Updates Food Contact Ceramics: Limits for Cadmium Migration SafeGuardS. (www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/05/safeguards-08017-malaysia-updates-food-contact-ceramics-limits)

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For further information contact:

Hing Wo Tsang
Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

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This release was published on openPR.