Plastic kitchenware

Date updated: 26/07/2022

Controlled plastic products originating in China and Hong Kong can only be legally imported via London Gateway, Tilbury, Sheerness and Thamesport. Purfleet and Tilbury 2 are not approved and consignments arriving there will be rejected.

General

The Plastic Kitchenware (Conditions on Imports from China) (England) Regulations 2011 governs the conditions for importing polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating from China or Hong Kong, that fall under CN code 3924 10 00 (tableware and kitchenware). These regulations implement the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 284/2011 the aim of which is to ensure that harmful chemicals from plastics do not get into food.

London Gateway, Tilbury, Thamesport, and Sheerness are Food Standard Agency (FSA) designated ports for importers. There is more information on the FSA website at port designations.

Pre-notification

You should pre-notify us at least two working days before a consignment arrives. Consignments will be subject to 100% documentary checks and 10% will be selected for identity and/or physical checks (including laboratory analysis). Consignments must be accompanied by a declaration and a laboratory report demonstrating compliance with the limits set out in the legislation.

We encourage importers and agents to use the online PHILIS DES system to complete and submit the declaration as this is quicker than submitting paper documents.

Charges

The regulations require that the costs associated with these additional controls are payable by the importer. Go to our charges page for information.