How To Obtain The Certificate of Conformity for Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

Investing in obtaining the certificate of Conformity for food contact materials is more than just a regulatory requirement, it’s about protecting your consumers, avoiding significant financial losses, and boosting brand reputation.
 
Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or exporter looking forward to trading food products in Saudi Arabia, the COC for Food Contact Materials will unlock new business opportunities for you.
 
This certification ensures that food packaging, disposable food containers, and plastic food packaging meet strict regulatory standards and are safe for your consumers.
 
In this blog, let’s get to know what food contact materials are, the most common regulations for them, and how to obtain a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for FCMs.
 
Let’s Start Our Journey!
 

What are the Food Contact Materials (FCMs)?

 
Food Contact Materials (FCMs) are any materials that come into direct or indirect contact with food and drinks, such as containers, packaging, kitchen utensils, cutlery, and dishes. 
 
FCMs also comprise materials used in food processing equipment, such as food contact plastics, paper packaging for food, and glass, metal, and ceramic materials used in food containers and kitchen utensils. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, rubber, paper, ceramic, and metal. 
 
What is truly dangerous is that the chemicals used in food contact materials can transfer into the food and drinks we consume.
 
So Why Does Food Contact Certification Matter? If you’re a food packaging manufacturer, you need to ensure that your products are safe for consumers and comply with regulatory standards. Food contact plastics shall not release harmful chemicals into the food and be free from contaminants.
 
That’s why food business operators at all stages, from food packaging manufacturers and suppliers to traders, have a responsibility to ensure that the food contact materials (FCM) are compliant with the good contact materials regulations approved by SASO.
 
This aims to prevent the rejection of food products from Saudi Arabian customs ports and ensure they are not affected or damaged during transportation and storage.

The Most Common Food Contact Materials Regulations

 
Food Contact Materials Regulations are applied to any tools and equipment that come into contact with food or could reasonably come into contact with food during normal or foreseeable use. This includes items used for preparing, serving, and storing food in the kitchen.
 
The purpose of these regulations is to outline the essential requirements for food contact tools and equipment, ensuring that harmful substances which could threaten consumers are not transferred into food.
 
It is worth mentioning that these technical regulations are your roadmap to building trust with your customers and ensuring your products stand out in the competitive Saudi market.
 
Here are 7 Common Technical Requirements for the Food Contact Tools and Equipment:
 

1. Ensure your food contact tools are manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with no harmful substances transferred into the food under normal or foreseeable conditions 
2. The materials you use shall not cause any changes in the food composition or introduce harmful substances that could pose a risk to consumer health
3. Provide a clear description of all materials and compositions used in manufacturing, along with proof that they meet the relevant standards
4. Utilize materials of the highest technical quality and purity in order to ensure they’re appropriate for usage in the food contact materials
5. The raw materials shall be of a known origin and composition, so you can avoid harmful substances and comply with all applicable standards for each product
6. The manufacturer of the raw material shall be known, and its data shall be available to the regulatory authorities upon request
7. Finally, ensure that no components of food contact tools and equipment transfer to food in quantities that exceed the migration limits set by the relevant standards.

Food Packaging Requirements 

 
When it comes to food packaging materials, you need to ensure every detail aligns with the highest regulatory standards. Your food packaging materials, whether they’re plastic food packaging, paper packaging for food, or disposable food containers, shall meet the specific packing requirements outlined in the relevant standards
 
Here’s How You Can Make Sure Your Food Packaging Stands Out While Staying Compliant:
 

• Pay close attention to the levels of lead or other heavy metals in your packaging materials. They must not exceed the ratios allowed by the standards, ensuring your food-grade packaging is safe for consumers.

• If you’re using plastic for packaging, such as plastic food boxes, takeaway packaging or a food pack, always check that they carry the recycling symbol. This not only meets compliance but also shows your commitment to sustainability.

• For food packaging boxes or other food packs, ensure they carry the Biodegradable Plastic logo if applicable. This aligns with the relevant technical regulations and enhances your brand’s appeal to eco-conscious consumers. 

As a matter of fact, getting your labelling requirements right for Food Contact Materials (FCMs) is one of the most important steps in ensuring your food packaging meets regulatory standards and wins consumer trust.
 
Let’s Break Down Exactly What You Need to Do:
 

• Include symbols that indicate the safety of your food contact products, such as those approved by SASO, to reassure consumers that your food-grade packaging is safe and reliable

• Make sure your labels have obvious usage warnings and instructions in a clear font that is difficult to remove

• The Labels shall be written in Arabic or both Arabic and English

• Add traceability features like QR codes to your labels

• Finally, avoid using images or phrases on your food packaging that violate public law, morals, or Islamic values in KSA

How to obtain a Certificate of Conformity for Food Contact Materials with Tabseer

 
It’s important to obtain a Certificate of Conformity for Food Contact Materials (FCMs) to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations, build trust with consumers, and pave the way for successful business opportunities.
 
Tabseer Can Guide You Through the Entire Procedure. Here Is All You Need to Do:
 

Step 1: Log into the SABER Electronic Platform

 
Add all the required data to initiate the certification procedures
 

Step 2: Select a Certification Body (CB)

 
Choose Tabseer as your approved certification body to proceed with issuing the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
 

Step 3: Document Review

 
Tabseer ensures the validity and accuracy of your documents, streamlining the process for you.
 

Step 4: PCoC Issuance

 
Once approved, your PCoC is electronically issued via the Saber platform, allowing you to trade legally in Saudi Arabia.

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