Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency has announced a major regulatory shift in its food safety standards, requiring total migration testing for certain synthetic resin food contact materials. This new standard will come into force on 1 June 2026, with a one-year grace period for existing products, marking a critical compliance update for professionals in the chemicals, food packaging, and manufacturing sectors.
This change targets synthetic resin utensils and containers that currently lack individual specifications, replacing the previous reliance on potassium permanganate consumption values as a proxy for organic content. The goal is to better assess the overall chemical safety of food packaging materials and align Japan’s approach with international benchmarks.
Why total migration testing?
Total migration testing evaluates the overall amount of substances that can leach from food contact materials into food. This is particularly relevant for unregulated plastics and composite materials where additive migration could pose long-term exposure risks.
Under the revised regulation, materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene with existing specific standards will be exempt. However, manufacturers, importers, and distributors handling unspecified polymers must adapt their quality control and documentation practices to comply with the new general specification.
The Consumer Affairs Agency has provided transitional measures. Items manufactured or imported before 1 June 2026 can continue using the previous standards until 31 May 2027.
Impacts across the supply chain
While food manufacturers and packaging producers are directly affected, the implications extend to:
- Raw material suppliers, who must ensure upstream compliance documentation.
- Retailers, who may face liability for non-compliant products on shelves after the transition period.
- Testing laboratories, which must update methods and instrumentation by mid-2026.
In public comments, industry stakeholders raised concerns about testing costs and market disruptions. In response, the agency reiterated that the general standard applies only where individual material standards are absent, narrowing the scope of immediate compliance burdens.
Technical changes and material scope
The regulation introduces a 95°C to 90°C adjustment for high-temperature leaching tests, intended to improve test stability.
Materials like polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and PLA retain their individual specifications and are not affected by the new total migration limit. For others, detailed methods and thresholds will be published closer to the enforcement date via official notices.
Stay ahead of compliance
Professionals should begin internal assessments of their product lines and supply chains. Early coordination with testing labs and suppliers will ensure a smooth transition. Monitoring updates from Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency remains essential.
