Plastics and Coatings:
Testing and Certifications
Compliance of plastic materials and coatings in contact with food is defined by Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, which establishes rigorous criteria for material composition and safety.We analyse every type of polymer and coating by performing overall and specific migration tests to monitor the release of monomers, additives, and Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS).Our technical team supports you in verifying “positive lists” and drafting the Declaration of Comformity, ensuring full adherence to migration limits and market access in the shortest possible time.
REQUEST A CONSULTANCY FOR " PPE "
Contact a CIMAC Consultant. Book a 15-minute slot with a technician.
HOW CERTIFICATION WORKS
Certification process: from sample to certificate
A clear 5-step process, estimated timelines, and required documents to achieve CE marking.
- 1) Pre-assessment:Product and standards; category I/II/III and modules (B; C2/D). Testing plan, checklist, and timelines.
- 2) Sample Submission:Representative samples + Bill of Materials (BOM), instructions, and forms. Fast-track intake.
- 3) Testing/Verification:Tests according to current standards. Clear updates; targeted corrections if required.
- 4) Reporting:Test and evaluation report; ready for the DoC and Technical File.
- 5) Certification / Surveillance:EU Type-Examination Certificate (Module B) valid up to 5 years; annual C2 or D surveillance (Cat. III). Retain DoC and Technical File for 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For over 40 years, CIMAC has been testing and certifying safety footwear (PPE) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and current harmonised standards (e.g., EN ISO 20345/46/47).
We cover the entire range: safety shoes, firefighter boots, chainsaw-resistant footwear, foundry and welding boots, electrically insulating boots, motorcycling footwear, and chemical protection. Clear pathways, sample checklists, and technical support through to CE marking.
Validity of Certifications and Document Retention
Retain the EU Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation for 10 years from the date the PPE is placed on the market. The EU Type-Examination Certificate (Module B) has a maximum validity of 5 years from the date of issue, unless the reference harmonised standard is revised. Module C2 and Module D are subject to annual surveillance.
1) What is the difference between overall and specific migration for plastic materials?
Overall migration measures the total amount of non-volatile substances released by the material into food, while specific migration focuses on individual critical substances (e.g., Bisphenol A, phthalates, or residual monomers).
We perform these tests according to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 using food simulants (oil, acetic acid, ethanol). We offer constant assistance to validate migration limits in the shortest possible time.
2) What is meant by the "positive list" of monomers and additives?
Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 exclusively lists substances authorised for the production of plastic FCMs. We verify that your polymer or coating formulation consists only of approved substances and adheres to any Specific Migration Limits (SML).
Our team supports you in verifying the technical recipe, ensuring regulatory compliance in the shortest possible time.
3) How are coatings applied to different substrates tested?
Coatings, such as protective paints or lacquers, must be tested together with the substrate they are applied to (metal, plastic, or paper) to evaluate the interaction of the complete system.
We analyse the migration of coating components to ensure they do not alter the organoleptic properties of the food. We assist you in choosing the most efficient testing protocols to certify the entire finished product in the shortest possible time.
4) What are NIAS substances and why must they be evaluated?
NIAS (Non-Intentionally Added Substances) are impurities, degradation products, or reaction by-products that can migrate into food. Regulations require manufacturers to assess the risk these pose to human health.
We perform advanced screening analyses to identify potential contaminants and provide you with a robust risk assessment. Our technical support allows you to manage this critical issue, ensuring product safety in the shortest possible time.
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