---
title: "PPWR PFAS Thresholds for Food-Contact Packaging"
canonical_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/pfas-thresholds"
source_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/pfas-thresholds"
author: "Sorena AI"
description: "Direct FAQ on the PPWR Article 5 PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, including the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, and 50 ppm thresholds."
published_at: "2026-05-09"
updated_at: "2026-05-09"
keywords:
  - "PPWR"
  - "PFAS thresholds"
  - "food-contact packaging"
  - "Article 5"
  - "Regulation (EU) 2025/40"
  - "EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation"
  - "packaging waste"
---
**[SORENA](https://www.sorena.io/)** - AI-Powered GRC Platform

[Home](https://www.sorena.io/) | [Solutions](https://www.sorena.io/solutions) | [Artifacts](https://www.sorena.io/artifacts) | [About Us](https://www.sorena.io/about-us) | [Contact](https://www.sorena.io/contact) | [Portal](https://app.sorena.io)

---

# PPWR PFAS Thresholds for Food-Contact Packaging

Direct FAQ on the PPWR Article 5 PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, including the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, and 50 ppm thresholds.

*FAQ* *PPWR* *EU*

## EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation PFAS thresholds for food-contact packaging

PPWR Article 5 restricts food-contact packaging that contains PFAS at or above specified concentration limits from 12 August 2026.

Use this FAQ to check the exact thresholds, the packaging scope, and the evidence needed for technical documentation.

Under PPWR Article 5, the PFAS threshold question is specific: from 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging must not be placed on the market when PFAS concentrations are equal to or above the listed PPWR limits, unless another Union law already prohibits that packaging.

## What are the PPWR PFAS thresholds?

PPWR Article 5 sets three PFAS concentration limits for food-contact packaging. From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging may not be placed on the market if it contains PFAS at or above any of those limits.

The limits are 25 ppb for any PFAS measured with targeted PFAS analysis, 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured as the sum of targeted PFAS analysis where applicable with prior degradation of precursors, and 50 ppm for PFASs including polymeric PFAS. Article 5 excludes polymeric PFAS from quantification for the 25 ppb and 250 ppb measurements.

- 25 ppb: any PFAS measured with targeted PFAS analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS from quantification.
- 250 ppb: the sum of PFAS measured as targeted PFAS, where applicable with prior degradation of precursors, excluding polymeric PFAS from quantification.
- 50 ppm: PFASs including polymeric PFAS.

Sources for this answer:

- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(5) lists the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, and 50 ppm PFAS limits for food-contact packaging.
- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(6) requires compliance with the PFAS limits to be demonstrated in Annex VII technical documentation.

## Which packaging is covered?

The Article 5 PFAS restriction is framed for food-contact packaging. A packaging review should therefore start by identifying whether the packaging or packaging component is food-contact packaging before applying the PPWR PFAS thresholds.

The restriction applies to placing food-contact packaging on the market at or above the stated concentration limits. Article 5 also says the PPWR restriction applies to the extent that another Union legal act has not already prohibited placing that PFAS concentration on the market.

- Confirm whether the packaging is food-contact packaging.
- Map the packaging material and any relevant component to the PFAS test result.
- Check whether another Union legal act already prohibits the same PFAS concentration.
- Do not treat the Article 5 PFAS thresholds as a general threshold for every non-food-contact packaging claim.

Sources for this answer:

- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(5) limits the PFAS placing-on-the-market restriction to food-contact packaging and preserves other Union-law prohibitions.
- [Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_en?ref=sorena.io) - The Commission overview summarises the PPWR as applying to all packaging and packaging waste while highlighting the PFAS ban from August 2026.

## What evidence should teams keep for PFAS thresholds?

Keep evidence that connects each food-contact packaging item to the Article 5 threshold assessment and the Annex VII technical documentation file. The record should show the tested packaging or component, the method category used for the relevant threshold, and whether the result is below the PPWR limit.

If total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg, Article 5 says the manufacturer, importer, or downstream user must, upon request, provide proof of the quantity of fluorine measured as PFAS or non-PFAS so the manufacturer or importer can draw up the technical documentation.

- Food-contact packaging scope record for each packaging item or component reviewed.
- PFAS test report or supplier declaration mapped to the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, or 50 ppm Article 5 limit.
- Technical documentation evidence showing compliance with Article 5(5).
- Proof of fluorine quantity as PFAS or non-PFAS when total fluorine is above 50 mg/kg and the proof is requested.
- Record of any separate Union-law restriction checked before relying on the PPWR threshold analysis.

Sources for this answer:

- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(5)(c) explains the proof needed when total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg.
- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(6) ties Article 5 PFAS compliance to the technical documentation drawn up under Annex VII.

## What is the most common mistake with PPWR PFAS thresholds?

The common mistake is treating the PPWR PFAS rule as a broad marketing claim that all PFAS in all packaging is handled the same way. Article 5 is narrower and more measurable: it gives specific concentration limits for food-contact packaging and links compliance to technical documentation.

Another mistake is recording only a pass or fail label. The useful record identifies the packaging, the food-contact scope conclusion, the threshold applied, the measured result or supplier proof, and any separate Union-law restriction considered.

- Do not omit the date: the Article 5(5) PFAS restriction applies from 12 August 2026.
- Do not merge the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, and 50 ppm thresholds into one generic PFAS limit.
- Do not apply the Article 5 food-contact packaging threshold analysis to unrelated packaging claims without a separate source.
- Do not forget the technical-documentation requirement in Article 5(6).

Sources for this answer:

- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(5) gives the date, food-contact packaging scope, and three separate PFAS threshold values.
- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(6) is the source for retaining technical documentation evidence for the PFAS threshold assessment.

## Primary sources

- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official PPWR text for Article 5 food-contact packaging PFAS thresholds, proof requirements, and technical documentation.
  - Quote: "25 ppb for any PFAS as measured with targeted PFAS analysis"
- [Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission overview confirming the PPWR applies from mid-2026 and summarising the PFAS ban from August 2026.
  - Quote: "PFAS will be banned from packaging from August 2026"

## Topic Guides

- [EU PPWR Conformity Documentation Guide](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/conformity-documentation.md): Build PPWR technical documentation and EU declarations of conformity for packaging, with evidence fields, owner checks, retention rules, and official EU sources.
- [EU PPWR penalties and fines: Article 68 enforcement guide](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/penalties-and-fines.md): Source-grounded guide to PPWR penalties and fines: Article 68 Member State rules, administrative fines for Articles 24 to 29, market-surveillance action, formal non-compliance, and enforcement evidence.
- [PPWR applicability test: packaging scope, roles, and evidence](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/applicability-test.md): Determine whether the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation applies to a packaging item, market activity, operator role, and evidence workflow.
- [PPWR Article 12 labelling, QR codes, and digital carriers](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/labelling-qr-and-digital-carriers.md): source-linked guide to PPWR Article 12 packaging labels, reusable packaging QR codes, digital carriers, online-sale information, and evidence records.
- [PPWR Article 33 refill targets and take-away container reuse obligations](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/reuse-refill-targets.md): source-linked guide to PPWR reuse and refill targets for transport, grouped, beverage, and take-away packaging under Articles 29 to 33.
- [PPWR Article 5 PFAS and Restricted Substances Guide](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/pfas-and-restricted-substances.md): Grounded guide to PPWR Article 5 substance controls: substances of concern, the 100 mg/kg heavy-metal cap, PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, and technical-documentation evidence.
- [PPWR Article 5 PFAS Evidence Workflow for Food-Contact Packaging](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/pfas-evidence-workflow.md): Build a PPWR Article 5 evidence workflow for food-contact packaging PFAS checks, limit-value evidence, supplier proof, and Annex VII technical documentation.
- [PPWR compliance checklist for packaging teams](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/checklist.md): source-linked PPWR checklist for packaging scope, recyclability, recycled content, PFAS, minimisation, labelling, conformity files, and EPR registration under Regulation (EU) 2025/40.
- [PPWR compliance guide: packaging conformity, EPR and evidence](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/compliance.md): Build a PPWR compliance workflow for packaging placed on the EU market, covering Articles 5-12 controls, conformity assessment, technical files, declarations, labelling, EPR and evidence.
- [PPWR compostable packaging rules: what must be compostable?](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/compostable-packaging.md): A PPWR FAQ on compostable packaging: mandatory compostable formats, Member State options, recycling default rules, labels, and evidence to retain.
- [PPWR deadlines and compliance calendar](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/deadlines-and-compliance-calendar.md): Calendar-style PPWR deadline guide for application, PFAS, labelling, recyclability, recycled content, reuse, refill, deposit return, reporting, and transition dates.
- [PPWR delegated and implementing act tracker](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/delegated-act-tracking.md): Track PPWR delegated and implementing acts for recyclability, recycled content, reuse, labelling, EPR, reporting, and evidence owners.
- [PPWR e-commerce packaging rules: empty space, labels, and reuse](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/e-commerce-packaging.md): source-linked FAQ for online sellers and fulfilment teams applying PPWR rules to e-commerce packaging, including empty-space, labelling, reuse, and evidence records.
- [PPWR Economic Operator Roles: manufacturers, importers, distributors and producers](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/economic-operator-roles.md): Map PPWR roles for packaging teams: manufacturer conformity files, importer and distributor checks, supplier data, fulfilment handling, traceability, and EPR producer registration.
- [PPWR EPR and Producer Responsibility Guide](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/epr-and-producer-responsibility.md): Map PPWR EPR duties for producers, authorised representatives, producer responsibility organisations, online platforms, registrations, reporting and evidence under Regulation (EU) 2025/40.
- [PPWR FAQ: Scope, Recyclability, Reuse, Labelling, and EPR](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq.md): FAQ index for Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, covering PPWR scope, recyclability, recycled content, minimisation, reuse, labelling, EPR, and evidence.
- [PPWR grouped and transport packaging empty-space FAQ](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/grouped-and-transport-packaging.md): Answer whether grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging need PPWR empty-space controls, what the 50% ratio covers, and what evidence to keep.
- [PPWR labelling and consumer information requirements](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/labeling-and-consumer-info.md): Article 12 and Article 55 PPWR guidance for packaging labels, QR codes, online sales information, waste receptacle labels, and consumer information records.
- [PPWR labelling checklist for Articles 12 and 13](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-labeling-checklist.md): Checklist for PPWR Article 12 packaging labels and Article 13 waste-receptacle labels, including material composition, reuse, DRS, digital carriers, online sales, and transition stock.
- [PPWR labelling dates: when do packaging labels apply?](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/labelling-dates.md): A PPWR FAQ on Article 12 and Article 13 labelling dates for packaging, reusable packaging, recycled-content labels, QR codes, waste receptacles, and implementation acts.
- [PPWR labelling rollout workflow for Article 12 and 13](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/labelling-rollout-workflow.md): source-linked workflow for rolling out PPWR Article 12 packaging labels, QR codes, reusable packaging labels, recycled-content labels, and Article 13 waste-receptacle labels.
- [PPWR micro-enterprise and small business FAQ](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/micro-and-small-business-edge-cases.md): source-linked FAQ on PPWR micro-enterprise and small business edge cases, including manufacturer responsibility, reuse exemptions, packaging restrictions, refill, and evidence records.
- [PPWR packaging classification guide: sales, grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/packaging-classification.md): Classify PPWR packaging by function, material category, format, reuse status and operator role before assessing recyclability, restrictions, EPR and documentation.
- [PPWR Packaging Minimisation Guide: Article 10 Evidence](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/minimization.md): source-linked PPWR packaging minimisation guide covering Article 10, Annex IV evidence, perceived-volume bans, empty-space rules, and technical documentation.
- [PPWR packaging scope workflow: classify packaging, roles, and evidence](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/packaging-scope-workflow.md): A PPWR packaging scope workflow for classifying packaging, assigning economic-operator roles, routing EPR questions, and keeping technical evidence.
- [PPWR PFAS Rules for Food-Contact Packaging](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/pfas-and-food-contact-packaging.md): source-linked guide to PPWR Article 5 PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, including the 12 August 2026 date, thresholds, and evidence records.
- [PPWR Recyclability and Design-for-Recycling Requirements](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/recyclability-and-design-requirements.md): Article 6 PPWR guide to packaging recyclability grades, Annex II packaging categories, design-for-recycling parameters, recycled-at-scale assessment, and evidence files.
- [PPWR Recyclability Assessment Template](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-recyclability-assessment-template.md): Use this PPWR recyclability assessment template to record packaging category, DfR parameters, performance grade evidence, recycled-at-scale evidence, and approval owners.
- [PPWR Recyclability Assessment Workflow | Article 6 and Annex II](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/recyclability-assessment-workflow.md): Assess PPWR recyclability by packaging unit: map the Annex II category, screen design-for-recycling parameters, grade the result, and retain Annex VII evidence.
- [PPWR recyclability grades A, B and C explained](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/recyclability-grades.md): Understand PPWR recyclability grades under Article 6 and Annex II, including design-for-recycling thresholds, 2030, 2035 and 2038 timing, and evidence records.
- [PPWR recycled content calculations: Article 7 FAQ](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/recycled-content-calculations.md): A PPWR FAQ on recycled content calculations for plastic packaging: Article 7 scope, manufacturing-plant averages, Commission methodology timing, exceptions, and evidence.
- [PPWR Recycled Content Targets for Plastic Packaging](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/recycled-content-targets.md): Article 7 PPWR targets for recycled content in plastic packaging, including 2030 and 2040 percentages, calculation basis, exclusions, and evidence records.
- [PPWR requirements overview for EU packaging teams](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/requirements.md): A grounded overview of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 requirements for packaging scope, recyclability, recycled content, minimisation, labelling, reuse, EPR, and conformity evidence.
- [PPWR reusable packaging and re-use systems FAQ](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/reusable-systems.md): Answer when packaging can be treated as reusable under PPWR, what re-use systems must include, and what evidence teams should keep.
- [PPWR reuse and refill targets: Article 29 and take-away duties](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/reuse-and-refill-targets.md): source-linked guide to PPWR reuse targets for transport, grouped, beverage, and take-away packaging, including Article 29, 32, 33, reporting, and exemptions.
- [PPWR reuse target applicability workflow: Article 29 and 33](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/reuse-target-applicability-workflow.md): source-linked workflow to decide whether PPWR Article 29 reuse targets, Article 32 refill duties, and Article 33 take-away reusable offers apply.
- [PPWR scope and packaging definitions: Article 2 and Article 3 guide](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/scope-and-packaging-definitions.md): Use PPWR Article 2 and Article 3 to decide whether an item is packaging, classify sales, grouped, transport, e-commerce and service packaging, and record source-linked evidence.
- [PPWR service packaging FAQ: point-of-sale and takeaway rules](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/service-packaging.md): Service packaging under the EU PPWR means items designed to be filled at the point of sale. See scope, takeaway, HORECA refill and reuse, and evidence checks.
- [PPWR vs ESPR: Packaging Rules vs Product Ecodesign](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-vs-espr.md): Compare PPWR and ESPR without mixing duties: PPWR controls packaging and packaging waste, while ESPR is a separate sustainable-product ecodesign framework that PPWR complements.
- [PPWR vs REACH: Packaging Waste vs Chemicals Rules](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-vs-reach.md): Compare PPWR packaging duties with the narrow REACH boundary confirmed in PPWR sources: substances in packaging, PFAS, recyclability, labelling, EPR, evidence, and dates.
- [PPWR vs RoHS: Packaging vs EEE Compliance](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-vs-rohs.md): Compare PPWR packaging duties with a separate RoHS workstream, including scope, owners, evidence, dates, overlap limits, and source-linked PPWR decision points.
- [PPWR vs Single-Use Plastics Directive: Packaging Scope and Overlap](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-vs-sup-directive.md): Compare PPWR and the Single-Use Plastics Directive without merging duties: all-packaging PPWR rules, listed single-use plastic product rules, overlap, evidence, and 2030 changes.
- [PPWR vs Waste Framework Directive: Packaging Duties and WFD Links](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/ppwr-vs-waste-framework-directive.md): Compare PPWR with the Waste Framework Directive where the PPWR text expressly relies on WFD concepts: waste hierarchy, definitions, EPR, collection, traceability, and waste plans.
- [Timeline and Deadlines for PPWR: practical implementation guide](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/timeline-and-deadlines.md): Practical PPWR guidance for Timeline and Deadlines, with source-linked decisions, owners, evidence records, and implementation steps.

*Recommended next step*

*Placement: after evidence section*

## Turn PPWR guidance into an evidence workflow

Use this PPWR FAQ to map food-contact packaging, PFAS test evidence, and Article 5 technical documentation before placing packaging on the EU market.

- [Open Research Copilot](/solutions/research-copilot.md): Answer PPWR implementation questions with cited source material.
- [Discuss PPWR implementation](/contact.md): Review food-contact packaging scope, PFAS evidence, and Article 5 documentation with Sorena.


---

[Privacy Policy](https://www.sorena.io/privacy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.sorena.io/terms-of-use) | [DMCA](https://www.sorena.io/dmca) | [About Us](https://www.sorena.io/about-us)

(c) 2026 Sorena AB (559573-7338). All rights reserved.

Source: https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/pfas-thresholds