The composition and use of packaging
(for all nations)
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The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 (as amended) require packaging to comply with concentration limits for heavy metals, and with the essential requirements on composition and the re-usable and recoverable (including recyclable) nature of the packaging.
The concentration limits apply to lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium. The sum of the concentration level of the above metals in the packaging, or in packaging components, must not exceed 100 parts per million (subject to certain exemptions).
Packaging must also satisfy certain ‘essential requirements’ relating to its size, design, and manufacture. Responsibility for compliance lies with the person who places the packaging or packaging components onto the market. This includes anyone who puts his/her name, mark or trademark on the package, or the importer.
