SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 044.24 to provide stakeholders with an overview of the amendment for food contact metals and alloys approved by the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).

Mercosur/GMC/Res. No 48/2023 was issued in December 2023 to revise GMC Resolution No. 46/06 ‘Mercosur technical regulation on provisions for containers, coatings, utensils, covers and metal equipment that come into contact with food’ (GMC Resolution 46/06).

Changes contained in the document include:

• Copper deleted as one of the heavy metals in impurities of metallic materials. The new specifications are no more than 1% for the sum of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, subject to:
o No more than 0.01% for each of cadmium, lead and mercury
o No more than 0.03% for arsenic
• List of stainless steels and their specifications revised
• Specifications and restrictions for anodized and non-anodized aluminum and its alloys added
• New language introduced indicating that the list of stainless steels in clause 3.1.1 includes those with their surface completely glazed, vitrified, enameled or protected with polymeric coatings
• New language and limitations added for uncoated carbon steel

Countries in Mercosur are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. They must now transpose Mercosur/GMC/Res. No 48/2023 into their national law before June 2, 2024.

SGS Food Contact Material 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. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services. [http://www.sgs.com/fcm]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Mercosur Revises Food Contact Metals and Alloys SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2024/03/safeguards-4424-mercosur-revises-food-contact-metals-and-alloys]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Lara Gallego
Packaging Regulations Consultant – Mercosur/Brazil
Tel: +55 11 2664-9595 ext. 8873

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

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