Requirements for Importing Plastic and Paper Products (Food contact material) Saudi Arabia

Food Contact Materials:

Refers to materials specifically designed to be safe and suitable for direct contact with food during normal use. These materials are made from a variety of raw materials, such as plastics, rubber, wood, glass, ceramics, metals, or other suitable substances.

General Migration:

The transfer of some components from plastic packaging to food or similar substances.

Specific Migration:

The transfer of a specific compound or material from the plastic packaging to food or similar substances.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP):

A set of procedures and standards related to quality assurance, ensuring that materials and tools are manufactured properly and safely, with product quality monitored to meet applicable requirements. This includes adhering to appropriate quality standards based on the product’s purpose and relying on food safety or quality management systems according to international standards.

Products Covered Under the Kitchen Safety Technical Regulations

To import plastic and paper products in contact with food into Saudi Arabia, compliance with a set of technical standards and requirements is necessary to ensure safety and quality. These standards aim to protect consumers and ensure products comply with Saudi regulations.

Types of Products Covered

This category includes all tools and materials used for food preparation and serving that come into direct contact with food, such as:

• Paper and plastic cups and plates.
• Storage tools like plastic containers.
• Preparation tools like baking molds and cooking bags.
• Tableware like plastic forks and spoons.
• Household aluminum utensils.
• Food storage containers.
• Food packaging materials.
• Cutting tools.
• Silver tableware.

Types of Raw Materials Used

Plastic Materials

Plastic products intended for food contact should be made from safe materials that meet health standards, such as:

• Polyethylene (PE): Commonly used in storage bags and wrap covers.
• Polypropylene (PP): Used for plates and drinking cups due to its heat resistance.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Found in water bottles and soda containers.

Paper Materials

Paper products include:

• Liquid and grease-resistant treated paper: Used in food bags and beverage cups.
• Coated paperboard with protective layers: Designed for packaging hot food and drinks.

Technical Requirements for Kitchen Utensils

The technical regulations ensure that kitchen tools and devices are free from harmful substances that could negatively affect the user’s health or the environment during production or disposal. Key requirements include:

1. Providing a detailed label with product information.
2. Submitting reports proving the product is free of harmful substances according to the relevant standards.
3. Preparing technical reports covering all required tests as per the regulations.
4. Providing a technical file demonstrating compliance to obtain a conformity certificate.
5. Conducting a conformity assessment through the designated authority or recognized bodies.

Packaging Requirements

To meet health and environmental standards, the following must be ensured:

1. Packaging materials and tools according to specifications outlined in the relevant standards.
2. Ensuring that lead and heavy metal levels do not exceed the allowable limits in approved standards.
3. Plastic packages must carry a recycling symbol.
4. Ensuring that food-contact tools and devices’ packaging includes a biodegradable plastic symbol in compliance with technical regulations.

Factory Audit Requirements (Type 3 Conformity Assessment)

The technical regulations require a Factory Audit to verify the quality control processes for raw material receipt, final product inspection, and the applied quality system. Key elements include:

1. Supplier evaluation and an approved supplier list.
2. Procedures for raw material procurement and compliance verification.
3. Production planning and in-process quality checks.
4. Final product verification and testing.
5. Handling non-conforming products.
6. Implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
7. Addressing customer complaints.
8. Calibration of measurement and testing devices.

Testing Requirements

Key Tests:

1. Asbestos Test:
   • Ensures the product is asbestos-free under normal use conditions.
2. Coating Test:
   • Coatings and decorative inks must be food-safe and meet relevant standards.
   • Printing must be kept away from surfaces in direct contact with food.
   • Coatings must not release harmful substances, alter food properties, or compromise sensory characteristics (e.g., taste, color, smell).
   • Manufacturing must follow GMP principles, with a risk assessment provided for all materials used in coatings.
3. Migration Tests:
   • Ensures that product components do not transfer to food in quantities exceeding the specified limits.
4. Performance Tests:
   • Includes quality verification tests such as leak resistance for paper cups and durability to ensure food safety.

Requirements and Procedures for the Saudi Market

Registration and Certification

• Products must be registered on the SABER platform to obtain a conformity certificate.
• A conformity certificate from an accredited body (SASO CoC) is mandatory.

Environmental and Health Standards

• Use materials that are recyclable or biodegradable.
• Comply with environmental standards for waste reduction.

Packaging and Labeling Instructions

• Clear instructions in Arabic for safe use must be provided.
• The phrase “Food Contact Safe” must be displayed on products.

Import Procedures

• Submit required documents such as the certificate of origin, commercial invoice, and packing list.
• Conduct pre-shipment inspections through accredited entities to ensure compliance.

References

• Guideline for Food Safety in Kitchen Tools and Devices (SASO)
• Saudi Technical Regulations for Food Safety Click here.