Specific migration

What is specific migration?

Specific migration refers to the passage of a targeted chemical substance from a material (plastic, coating, glue, varnish, etc.) into a food or food simulant, under standardized conditions. This analysis aims to quantify a specific substance, potentially regulated or hazardous to health.

Targeted substances may include:

• Bisphenols (BPA, BADGE, BFDGE, etc.)
• Phthalates and other plasticizers
• Heavy metals or trace elements (Pb, Cd, Al, etc.)
• Amides, residual solvents, NIAS compounds
• Additives or photoinitiators

Why perform a specific migration analysis?

This analysis is essential for:

• Comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on materials in contact with food
• Check the specific migration limits (SML) imposed by European regulations
• Ensuring consumer safety from potentially toxic or endocrine-disrupting substances
• Anticipate the requirements of quality audits, distributors or health authorities
• Document mandatory Declarations of Conformity (DoC) for food materials and objects

Unlike global migration, which measures all migrating substances, specific migration focuses on a targeted molecule or group of substances, at very strict thresholds (e.g.: BPA ≤ 0.05 mg/kg).

Available analytical methods

The analysis is carried out by combining a standardized extraction on simulant (ethanol, acetic acid, vegetable oil, etc.) with a targeted dosage technique:

• GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry): for volatile organic compounds
• LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): for thermosensitive or polar compounds
• ICP-MS / ICP-OES: for metals and minerals (lead, aluminum, cadmium, iron, etc.)
• Methods in accordance with EC Regulation 1935/2004 and EFSA/ISO guidelines

Each method is selected according to the type of substance, the material tested and the applicable regulations.

Affected matrices

This analysis applies to many food contact materials (FCMs):

• Flexible or rigid plastic packaging
• Ceramics, glass, coated metals
• Printing inks, multi-layer films, coated papers and boards
• Glues, varnishes, barrier or intermediate layers
• Food devices or utensils made of composite materials

Links to specific analyses available on YesWeLab

→ Determination of BADGE (Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether)
→ Determination of BFDGE (Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether)
→ Determination of bisphenols A, F, S, B and AF

These targeted analyses can be integrated into a specific overall migration plan, depending on your materials and your end use.

YesWeLab support

At YesWeLab , we help you ensure regulatory compliance and the health safety of your materials through a network of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, specializing in migration analysis and material compliance.

We support you for:

• Choose the method appropriate for your product and the targeted substance
• Determine the applicable SMLs
• Provide an actionable analysis report as part of your audits or declarations
• Integrate results into comprehensive compliance documentation

Thanks to our digital platform, you can centralize your requests, track your projects in real time, and access your results simply and securely.

Need a specific migration analysis?

YesWeLab supports you in mastering the regulated migration of your materials.
Contact our team now to obtain a personalized quote or discuss your specifications.