Global and specific migration tests: ensuring packaging compliance
Global and specific migration tests are essential analyses to ensure that materials in contact with food or cosmetic products pose no risk to consumer health. These tests detect and quantify substances that could be transferred from packaging, containers, or packaging devices to the final product. The goal is to guarantee that these migrations remain within the limits permitted by current regulations, thus ensuring the compliance and food safety of packaging used by manufacturers.
In Europe, these analyses are strictly governed by specific regulations, notably Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 for plastic materials intended for food contact, as well as the guidelines of the Public Health Code for cosmetic packaging. Other standards apply depending on the nature of the materials, such as requirements for printing inks, varnishes, and adhesives used in food packaging.
Why perform migration tests?
When a material comes into direct contact with food or cosmetic products, it can, under certain conditions (heat, humidity, duration of exposure), release chemical components. This migration phenomenon can affect the product's composition and, in some cases, pose a risk to human health. To anticipate these risks and ensure packaging compliance, two types of analyses are performed in the laboratory:
- Global migration : This analysis measures the total amount of substances that can be released by the material when exposed to conditions simulating its actual use. It is performed in different simulating media (aqueous, oily, alcoholic, acidic) to reproduce possible interactions with food and cosmetics.
- Specific migration : This test identifies and quantifies the presence of regulated substances, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), heavy metals, aromatic amines , and certain solvents. It aims to verify that these compounds do not exceed permitted levels and do not pose a health risk.
Are you looking for an analysis?
What materials need to be tested?
Migration tests cover a wide range of materials used in packaging, including:
- Plastics and bioplastics (films, bottles, trays, lids)
- Cardboard and paper (food packaging, bags, labels)
- Glassware and ceramics (jars, pots, cosmetic containers)
- Metals and alloys (tin cans, capsules, tins)
- Inks, varnishes and adhesives (used on packaging and labels)
Applications by sector
Food packaging
Verification of the migration of plastics, cardboard, varnishes, printing inks and adhesives used in food packaging.
Cosmetic
Control of interactions between bottles, tubes, jars and their formulations (perfumes, creams, essential oils).
Agri-food
Tests on materials used in the processing and storage of foodstuffs (plastic films, trays, bottles, cans).
Analyses compliant with regulatory standards
YesWeLab provides access to its network of specialized laboratories to perform global and specific migration tests in accordance with European and international standards, such as Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, ISO 1186, EN 13130, and FDA 21 CFR . Our experts support you in evaluating your materials, interpreting the results, and optimizing your packaging to ensure their safety and regulatory compliance. With our expertise, you can guarantee the safety of your materials and their compliance with current requirements.
Contact YesWeLab to find the right laboratory for your needs and secure your products.
Léa Géréec
Technical and scientific advisor
