Global migration dosage

What is global migration?

Overall migration measures the total amount of substances (intentionally added or unintentionally present) that can migrate from a material into a food or food simulant. Unlike specific migration, which targets a given substance (e.g., BPA, phthalates, metals), this analysis assesses all compounds that can be transferred, without chemical distinction.

It constitutes a fundamental regulatory requirement of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, applicable to all plastic materials intended to come into contact with food. This test verifies that the overall migration does not exceed 10 mg/dm² of material surface or 60 mg/kg of simulated food, as applicable.

Why analyze global migration?

Global migration analysis is essential for:

• Assess the food safety of packaging, coatings, containers, etc.
• Validate the regulatory compliance of food contact materials
• Control the quality of your materials according to customer or distributor requirements
• Prepare the declarations of conformity (DoC) required by the authorities
• Anticipate the results of audits or tests in the event of disputes or product recalls

It is generally carried out in addition to specific migration, which targets compounds such as bisphenols, phthalates, heavy metals, or NIAS substances.

Available analytical methods

The overall migration assay is carried out after contacting the tested material with a food simulant (water, acetic acid, ethanol, vegetable oil…) for a duration and at a temperature defined by the regulations (e.g., 10 days at 40 °C).

Quantification methods include:

• Gravimetry: direct measurement of the total mass of substances extracted after evaporation of the simulant
• Organic extraction followed by chromatography (GC-MS or LC): for further verification
• Standard methods derived from Regulation (EU) 10/2011, Annexes III and V

The conditions are chosen to represent a realistic or maximum use of the material in contact with food.

Materials concerned

• Plastic and multilayer films (PET, PE, PP, PVC, etc.)
• Trays, pots, bottles, caps
• Coatings and varnishes based on epoxy resins
• Lids, seals and packaging devices
• Cosmetic materials intended for storage or cutaneous application

Recommended supplements

→ To target specific substances, consult the specific migration
→ For the control of regulated residues:

• BADGE (Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether)
• BFDGE (Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether)
• Bisphenols A, F, S, B, AF

Why choose YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab, we work with a network of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, experts in migration analysis according to European standards. Our partners have complete mastery of extraction, simulation, and gravimetric or chromatographic quantification procedures.

We support you for:

• Choosing the right simulants according to the matrix and the type of commodity targeted
• Define the protocol best suited to your use case
• Provide a compliant analysis report that can be used for your tax returns or audits
• Conduct an analysis on its own or in conjunction with a specific migration plan, depending on your objectives

Through our digital platform, you can centralize your requests, track your projects and retrieve your results with reliability, traceability and simplicity.

Need to check the overall migration of your materials?

YesWeLab supports you in the testing of packaging, devices, and materials that come into contact with food, ensuring their safety and regulatory compliance.
Contact our team today for a personalized quote or a feasibility study.