SAFEGUARDS | Consumer Products NO. 088/17

Algeria has published an Executive Decree to regulate food contact materials and articles. The new law will become effective on June 6, 2017.

In December, 2016, Algeria published Executive Decree No. 16-299[1]of November 23, 2016 (6 Rabie El Aouel 1438)in the Official Journal of the Democratic Republic of Algeria to regulate 14 categories of food contact materials and articles. These include food contact materials and articles which in their finished state:

  • Are intended to be brought into contact with food
  • Are already in contact with food or designed for this purpose
  • May reasonably be expected to be come into contact with food under normal or foreseeable conditions of use

When placing food contact materials and articles that are not yet in contact with food onto the market, they must be labeled with either 'pour contact alimentaire', which means 'for food contact', or 'convient pour une denrée alimentaire' meaning 'suitable for food'. These phrases could be substituted by a specific reference to their use or 'the glass and fork' symbol (Fig 1) as an alternative.

Fig 1

According to the Decree, the following materials and articles are not within the scope of the new law:

  • Coatings and coating materials, such as those for cheese crusts, raw or cooked meat products or fruit. These are an integral part of the food and are likely to be consumed with food
  • Established public or private facilities for the distribution of water
  • Materials and articles as antiques

The general specifications for the 14 categories of food contact materials and articles are described in Article 9 of the Decree. Both manufacturers and importers are required to provide a certificate of conformity (CoC) issued by an accredited body to attest compliance with this Decree.

The provisions in the Decree will become effective on June 6, 2017.

Highlights of the 14 categories of food contact materials and articles in the Decree are summarized in Table 1.

Executive Decree No. 16-299 of November 23, 2016
14 Categories of Food Contact Materials and Articles
Item Material/Article Item Material/Article
1 Adhesives 8 Paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax
2 Ceramics 9 Plastics, including varnishes and coatings
3 Elastomers and rubber 10 Printing ink
4 Glass 11 Regenerated cellulose
5 Ion exchange resins 12 Silicones
6 Metals and alloys 13 Textile products
7 Paper and paperboard 14 Wood, including cork

SGS technical experts have extensive knowledge and testing experience in materials and articles in contact with food. They work to ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. From overall migration test to expert advices on emerging regulations and compliance issues and documentation review, SGS is the partner to trust. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website.

For enquiries, please contact:

Hingwo TsangGlobal Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
t: +852 2774 7420

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SGS SA published this content on 01 June 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 02 June 2017 02:06:19 UTC.

Original documenthttp://www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/06/safeguards-08817-algeria-regulates-food-contact-materials-and-articles

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