Switzerland Bans BPA and Hazardous Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials

New BPA Restrictions Signal a Shift in Swiss Chemicals Policy

The Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (DFI) has amended the Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (RS 817.023.21), also known as the Swiss FCM Ordinance, to introduce one of the most rigorous national restrictions on BPA to date.

The updated regulation prohibits the use of 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphényl)propane (BPA, CAS: 80-05-7) and its salts in the manufacture of varnishes and coatings. It also bans placing on the market any food contact materials made with these substances.

An exemption allows BPA in epoxy resins for containers exceeding 1,000 litres, under the strict condition that BPA migration into food is not detectable (limit: 1 μg/kg).

Wider Ban Includes Other Hazardous Bisphenols

The ban extends beyond BPA to cover all hazardous bisphenols and their derivatives classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction, or endocrine disruptors under Swiss law (OChim Annex 2, chapter 1). These materials are barred from both production and marketing if used in food contact coatings.

Regulated entities must confirm compliance through validated extraction methods capable of detecting bisphenol residues down to 1 μg/kg.

Transition Periods for Industry Stakeholders

Affected businesses must prepare for phased implementation:

• 20 July 2026: Deadline to place non-compliant single-use items on the market.
• 20 January 2029: Final use deadline for certain reusable or professional-use articles.

Clear labelling and Declarations of Conformity are mandatory, including a list of all bisphenols used.

These changes impact manufacturers, importers, food packagers, retailers, and professional food producers alike.