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Home ⚬ Resources ⚬ Other EU Updates ⚬ Upcoming Regulatory Changes on the Use of Mineral Oils in France

Upcoming Regulatory Changes on the Use of Mineral Oils in France

2 min read

Overview

As of January 1, 2025, France will implement stricter regulations on the use of mineral oils in packaging and inks. This move is part of a broader effort to combat waste and promote a circular economy.

Understanding Mineral Oils

Mineral oils, derived from petroleum hydrocarbons, are commonly used in the manufacture of inks.

The substances concerned by the ban on the use of mineral oil in printing inks are as follows:

  • Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) with 16 – 35 carbon atoms.
  • Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) with 1 – 7 aromatic rings.

The health impacts of these substances vary, with MOAH potentially acting as genotoxic carcinogens and some MOSH known to accumulate in the liver and lymphoid system.

Regulatory Timeline

Since the regulation was published in 2022, follow the regulatory timeline of measures below:

  • 3rd May 2022: Arrete du 13 Avril 2022 published, addressing the prohibition of mineral oil.
  • 1st January 2023: The effective date of Arrete du 13 Avril 2022 (above) commences.
  • 31st December 2024: Until this date, the ban applies to MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) concentration in ink exceeding 1%.
  • 1st January 2025: The ban extends to:
    1. The use of MOAH where the concentration exceeds 0.1%, or mass concentration in ink compounds with 3-7 aromatic rings is greater than 1 ppm (mg/kg).
    2. The use of MOSH where the concentration exceeds 0.1% in the ink.

Exceptions

The ban does not apply to printing intended for the public where a Community Provision has authorized the use of these inks.

Additionally, packaging and printed paper manufactured or imported before each restriction deadline can be stocked for a period of 12 months after the deadline.

Our Services

H2 Compliance can support companies impacted by the restrictions on mineral oils in several ways, including:

  • Offering general guidance on the requirements of the Order and its applicability to manufactured inks, or products printed with inks containing mineral oils.
  • Facilitating supply chain communication with ink manufacturers or raw material suppliers to verify compliance with the regulation.
  • Providing product testing for MOSH/MOAH content to determine compliance with the order, executed through a laboratory partner.

For help navigating the above, or further inquiries about our environmental services, please contact your CGlobal Account Manager, or reach out to CGlobal-Sales@landbellgroup.com.

Published May 23, 2024