---
title: "PPWR PFAS Rules for Food-Contact Packaging"
canonical_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/pfas-and-food-contact-packaging"
source_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/pfas-and-food-contact-packaging"
author: "Sorena AI"
description: "source-linked guide to PPWR Article 5 PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, including the 12 August 2026 date, thresholds, and evidence records."
published_at: "2026-05-09"
updated_at: "2026-05-09"
keywords:
  - "PPWR PFAS"
  - "food-contact packaging"
  - "Article 5"
  - "Regulation (EU) 2025/40"
  - "PFAS thresholds"
  - "25 ppb"
  - "250 ppb"
  - "50 ppm"
  - "technical documentation"
  - "PPWR"
  - "PFAS"
---
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---

# PPWR PFAS Rules for Food-Contact Packaging

source-linked guide to PPWR Article 5 PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, including the 12 August 2026 date, thresholds, and evidence records.

*PPWR* *Article 5* *EU*

## PPWR PFAS rules for food-contact packaging

From 12 August 2026, PPWR Article 5 restricts food-contact packaging placed on the EU market when PFAS concentrations meet or exceed specified limits.

Use this guide to identify covered packaging, map the three PFAS thresholds, and keep the evidence needed for technical documentation.

PPWR Article 5 is not a generic PFAS slogan. It is a placing-on-the-market restriction for food-contact packaging at defined PFAS concentration limits, with compliance demonstrated in the technical documentation drawn up under Annex VII.

## What does PPWR Article 5 require for food-contact packaging?

Article 5(5) says that from 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging must not be placed on the market if it contains PFAS at or above any of the listed limit values, unless another Union legal act already prohibits placing that packaging on the market.

The practical decision is therefore narrow: confirm that the item is food-contact packaging, identify the relevant packaging material or component, check the PFAS result against the Article 5 thresholds, and record whether a separate Union-law restriction already applies.

- Scope gate: the Article 5 PFAS threshold restriction is framed for food-contact packaging.
- Market gate: the restriction applies to placing covered packaging on the market from 12 August 2026.
- Overlap gate: Article 5 preserves other Union-law prohibitions that may already restrict the same PFAS concentration.
- Evidence gate: compliance with Article 5(5) must be demonstrated in technical documentation under 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 food-contact packaging scope, application date, and placing-on-the-market restriction for PFAS.
- [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 Article 5(5) compliance to be shown in technical documentation drawn up under Annex VII.

## Which PFAS thresholds must be checked?

Article 5(5) lists three separate PFAS limits. Treat them as three evidence checks, not as one generic threshold.

The 25 ppb and 250 ppb checks exclude polymeric PFAS from quantification. The 50 ppm check includes polymeric PFAS and has a separate proof step when total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg.

- 25 ppb for any PFAS measured with targeted PFAS analysis, with polymeric PFAS excluded from quantification.
- 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured as targeted PFAS analysis, where applicable with prior degradation of precursors, with polymeric PFAS excluded from quantification.
- 50 ppm for PFASs including polymeric PFAS.
- If total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg, keep proof of the fluorine quantity measured as PFAS or non-PFAS when requested.

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)(a) and Article 5(5)(b) set the 25 ppb and 250 ppb targeted-analysis limits and exclude polymeric PFAS from those quantifications.
- [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) sets the 50 ppm PFAS limit including polymeric PFAS and explains the total-fluorine proof request.

## How should teams build the evidence file?

The evidence file should let a reviewer trace the decision from packaging scope to PFAS result to the Article 5 limit that was applied. A pass or fail label alone is not enough.

For supplier-controlled materials, keep declarations, test reports, change notices, and the component map together so the manufacturer or importer can support the Annex VII technical documentation.

- Food-contact scope record for each packaging item or component.
- Material and component inventory covering coatings, barriers, inks, adhesives, substrates, and other relevant food-contact layers.
- PFAS test result or supplier declaration mapped to the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, or 50 ppm Article 5 limit.
- Record of whether another Union legal act already prohibits the relevant PFAS concentration.
- Technical documentation entry showing how Article 5(5) compliance was demonstrated.
- Total-fluorine proof record when total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg and proof is requested.

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) identifies the proof needed for fluorine measured as PFAS or non-PFAS 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) is the grounding for keeping PFAS compliance evidence in the Annex VII technical documentation file.

*Recommended next step*

*Placement: after evidence section*

## Turn PFAS thresholds into a release gate

Use this PPWR guide to map food-contact packaging, PFAS evidence, supplier inputs, and Article 5 technical documentation before EU market release.

- [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.

## How does this fit with wider PPWR implementation?

PFAS control is one Article 5 substance requirement inside a wider PPWR program. The Commission overview describes PPWR as applying from mid-2026 and summarises the policy direction: recyclable packaging by 2030, clearer labelling, reuse and refill measures, and a PFAS ban from August 2026.

Keep the PFAS workflow connected to packaging release gates. A material substitution may also affect recyclability, labelling, supplier declarations, and EPR records, but those adjacent changes need their own PPWR source support.

- Connect PFAS review to product release before placing food-contact packaging on the EU market.
- Route PFAS material changes through packaging engineering, product compliance, procurement, and legal review.
- Update recyclability, labelling, or EPR evidence only when the material change actually affects those records.
- Do not cite the PPWR PFAS threshold as support for unrelated reuse, recycling, labelling, or penalty claims.

Sources for this answer:

- [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 PPWR overview provides public implementation context, including application from mid-2026 and the PFAS ban from August 2026.
- [Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste](https://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 5(1) requires substances of concern in packaging materials or components to be minimised, separate from the specific Article 5(5) PFAS threshold rule.

## What mistakes should teams avoid?

The highest-risk mistake is publishing a broad claim that PPWR bans every PFAS use in every packaging format without explaining the Article 5 food-contact scope and threshold structure.

Another common mistake is copying a supplier statement into the compliance file without showing which packaging component was assessed, which threshold was checked, and how the technical documentation will be maintained after a material change.

- Do not omit the 12 August 2026 date when describing the Article 5(5) placing-on-the-market restriction.
- Do not combine the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, and 50 ppm limits into one invented PFAS threshold.
- Do not describe polymeric PFAS the same way across all three checks; Article 5 treats them differently.
- Do not rely on a local file path, proposal page, or private working note as a public source URL.
- Do not turn the food-contact PFAS rule into unsupported claims about penalties, exemptions, or non-food-contact packaging.

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) is the source for the exact date, food-contact packaging scope, and three PFAS threshold values.
- [European Parliament press release on sustainable packaging rules](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20589/new-eu-rules-to-reduce-reuse-and-recycle-packaging?ref=sorena.io) - Parliament's public summary confirms the adopted text included a PFAS ban above certain thresholds in food-contact packaging.

## 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, fluorine proof requirements, and technical documentation.
  - Quote: "From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging shall not be placed on the market"
- [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 PPWR implementation context and summarising the PFAS ban from August 2026.
  - Quote: "PFAS will be banned from packaging from August 2026"
- [European Parliament press release on sustainable packaging rules](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20589/new-eu-rules-to-reduce-reuse-and-recycle-packaging?ref=sorena.io) - Parliament summary confirming the rule targets PFAS above thresholds in food-contact packaging.
  - Quote: "above certain thresholds in food contact packaging"

## Related 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 Thresholds for Food-Contact Packaging](/artifacts/eu/packaging-waste-regulation/faq/pfas-thresholds.md): Direct FAQ on the PPWR Article 5 PFAS limits for food-contact packaging, including the 25 ppb, 250 ppb, and 50 ppm thresholds.
- [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.


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