Updates EU Market Surveillance

The Change Can Start With a Drinking Vessel

In this article...

Are you importing or manufacturing aluminium drinking vessels for the EU market? Recent inspection results from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) reveal concerning findings that demand immediate attention from industry professionals. Between October 2023 and November 2024, NVWA conducted thorough inspections of aluminium bottles and cups ...

Are you importing or manufacturing aluminium drinking vessels for the EU market? Recent inspection results from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) reveal concerning findings that demand immediate attention from industry professionals.

Between October 2023 and November 2024, NVWA conducted thorough inspections of aluminium bottles and cups arriving at the Port of Rotterdam. The results are striking: 43 out of 46 different types of aluminium drinking vessels failed to meet EU legal requirements under Regulation 1935/2004, leading to their denial of entry into the European market.

The primary issue identified was the formation of aluminium flakes in water, observed during sequential testing of the products. This phenomenon, which occurred in nearly 94% of the tested items, directly contravenes EU regulations governing food contact materials. The discovery led to the rejection of approximately 800,000 units, which were either returned to manufacturers or destroyed under official supervision.

Does this matter for you?

If you're involved in importing or manufacturing aluminium drinking vessels for the EU market, here are the key compliance requirements you need to consider:

Your products must not release aluminium in quantities that could affect the taste, structure, or appearance of beverages. The formation of visible aluminium flakes is strictly prohibited. While specific legal limits exist for aluminium release, the extent of potential health risks depends on both the amount released and the type of beverage in contact with the material.

It's not the end

The NVWA has announced plans for follow-up investigations in 2025, expanding their focus to examine aluminium release in acidic beverages such as fruit juices and cola. This heightened scrutiny suggests that manufacturers and importers should review their quality control processes now to ensure compliance.

Can you make a change?

Don't risk having your shipments rejected at EU borders. Ensure your aluminium drinking vessels undergo proper testing before export, particularly focusing on aluminium release rates in various conditions. Consider working with accredited laboratories to verify compliance with EU regulations.

Need help ensuring your products meet EU requirements? Contact our product compliance experts at Alura Group for guidance on testing procedures and regulatory compliance.

Source: https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/contactmaterialen-levensmiddelen/inspectie-en-onderzoeksresultaten/inspectieresultaten-aluminium-in-drinkbekers-2024