MOCA Declaration of Conformity: what it is and why it is important for safety

The production of MOCA involves strict controls on the materials used in the production of food packaging in oredr to eliminate any risk of product contamination. Companies that produce this packaging must follow specific quality control and hygiene procedures during the production process to ensure maximum safety for the end consumer.

What does the regulation on the production of MOCAs provide for?

Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 requires that objects and materials intended to come into contact with food be specifically designed to prevent the transfer of substances that may endanger human health and after the composition or characteristics of foodstuffs. The legislation requires a declaration of compliance after a careful analytical assessment of the materials used as MOCAs, with the need to ensure full traceability of the materials used and adequate final labelling to identify MOCA products. In addition, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as specified in Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006, is mandatory.

The complince of plastic packaging with food contact is regulated by Regulation 10/2011 which introduces the obligation for MOCA manufacturers to provide full information on the composition of the materials used, their origin and the supply chain. With the introduction of EU Regulation 2020/1245 (updete of 10/2011), new provisions on the risk assessment of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, as well as new labelling and traceability requirements were established to further protect consumer health.

In addition, the regulation introduced a number of restrictions on the use of certain substances in food contact materials, including restrictions on the specific migration of heavy metals and aromatic amines.

For which companies is compliance with 1935/2004 and 2023/2006 mandatory?

Compliance with regulations 1935/2004 and 2023/2006 is mandatory for all companies producing packaging for food use, regardless of the size and type of product. The regulations are compulsory for producers of plastic packaging as well as for producers of plastic packaging made of paper, glass, metal or any other material used for packaging food for human consumption.

Furthermore, the obligation to comply with MOCA requirements does not only affect packaging manufacturers, but also companies that use these materials for the storage and transport of food products. For example, supermarkets that package food products themselves, or companies that produce ready-to-eat food, such as backery and confectionery products, fast food products, kitchen and household items.

UNI EN 15593 certification awarded to Plastisac

Plastosac has voluntarily decided, in addition to regulatory compliance, to obtain a third-party certification on good manufacturing practices and regulatory compliance for MOCA products (UNI EN 15593:2008 certification).

The UNI EN 15593 certification was issued to Plastisac in 2012 and subsequently renewed, year by year, in 2018 and 2021 CSI one of the notified bodies for certification, inspection and testis. The certification declared Plastisac's conformity to the UNI EN 15593:2008 standard for the production of flexible polyethylene packaging (reel films, polyethylene sheets, bags and pouches) intended for contact with foodstuffs, obtained through extrusion, printing, cutting and packaging processes.

All food packaging produced by Plastisac undergoes periodic quality checks during both the production and cutting phases to ensure compliance with the high quality standards required.

To guarantee packaging that complies with regulations and customer requirements, it is therefore important to rely on professionals in the sector. Plastisac specialises in the production of packaging and wrapping for various sectors, including the food industry. Plastisac offers personalised advice and has in-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, ensuring that it is always up-to-date with the latest provisions.

From the selection of the most suitable materials (such as polyethylene suitable for food contact) to the customisation of the packaging, Plastisac is able to follow the entire packaging creation process, offering safe and reliable support during all stages.

If you would like more information on the certifications that have been awarded to Plastisac or on the products and services offered, please fill in the form in the contact section. Our staff will answer you as soon as possible!