Plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong

Polyamide contains a family of compounds known as primary aromatic amines (PAAs) which are found to have been, or potentially linked to being carcinogenic. Melamine contains formaldehyde which is also believed to be a potential carcinogenic.

As plastic kitchenware is heated, research has shown that some plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong can leach polyamide or melamine into food they come into contact with, presenting a potential risk to human health.

To protect public health, the below additional documentary checks on imports of plastic kitchenware containing polyamide and melamine originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong are in place:

1. Prior notification given by importers or their representatives to the arrival of the consignment. This can be done by either completing a pre-notification form via email or post, or online via Philis DES
2. Completion and submission of a model plastic declaration confirming that the consignment meets the requirements concerning the maximum levels of release of PAAs or formaldehyde
3. A laboratory report demonstrating that the product does not release into foods detectable levels of PAAs exceeding 0.01mg/kg of food, and formaldehyde exceeding 15mg/kg of food (current maximum levels of PAAs and formaldehyde deemed necessary to minimise risk to health)
4. Accompanying commercial documents such as a bill of lading, invoice and packing list are also required

10% of consignments will undergo identity and physical checks, including laboratory analysis, of the kitchenware to ensure levels of PAAs or formaldehyde do not exceed levels deemed acceptable within the UK.

If the consignment has successfully passed the necessary stages, the plastic declaration is validated and the consignment is released for circulation into the UK.

Products failing to satisfy import conditions may be re-dispatched to a country outside GB. A legal notice is served requiring that the product is to be re-dispatched or destroyed. An appeal may usually be brought to a magistrates court and must be made within one month of the notice being served.