This content was reviewed for accuracy on 18/08/2023
Some plastic products contain substances called melamine & polyamide – in contact with food (when heated) they can leak out of the product and into the food meaning the substance is then consumed.
There have been tests carried out to show that the amount which leaks into the food is very minimal and therefore, not toxic. However, Port Health still run checks on these types of products to be on the safe side. If your product contains Nylon, this is a Polyamide so you will need to follow the steps to ensure your goods are ready for clearance.
Who Are Port Health?
Port Health are the customs body that regulates food and drink products as well as items that come into contact with food and drink.
They can place a customs hold on any shipment either randomly or with reason to believe there is an issue with the products being imported.
Recently we have seen them show interest in plastic products which come into contact with food.
Here’s the gov. tariff code heading to products which may be affected: Kitchenware: 3924
What Are Melamine & Polyamides?
Melamine and polyamide are substances used in some plastic (and bamboo) products, they are heated and moulded into the required shape.
When the products are moulded they are heated which gets rid of most of the melamine/polyamide content however, a small amount can still be found in the products.
The concern from Port Health is that when these products are heated at home (in the oven or microwave) these substances can leak into the food you are about to consume.
However, studies have shown that this is only a very minimal amount which is not considered to be toxic.
To be on the safe side, Port Health are regulating imports of plastic products. They are looking to ensure the melamine/polyamide content of any plastic kitchenware that comes into contact with food, is limited.
How Can I Check If There Is Melamine Or Polyamide In My Supplier's Products?
You can ask your supplier for an ingredient list of your products (as well as a melamine/polyamide content certificate) to confirm whether there are any of these substances in your products.
You may be asked for this by Port Health if you are importing plastic or bamboo products that are due to come into contact with food.
If there is melamine/polyamide in your products you will need to have a safety report with details of any leakage when heated.
Suppliers may use these substances due to their durability, they are dishwasher safe and cheaper, however, the substances mean your product won’t be microwave safe due to the risk of heat causing leakage into food.
Products which use ceramic-based plastics are therefore more expensive but they are usually microwave safe. Here’s port health’s guide.
What If Port Health Hold My Goods?
If you are importing plastic products that are likely to be in contact with food, it’s important to have all the documentation ready (from your supplier) in case of the goods being held by Port Health.
A laboratory report will need to be submitted to Port Health prior to the import arriving to ensure your goods meet the requirements to be accepted into the UK, it is advised to do this before your goods depart.
It is advised to contact Port Health directly to check you have the correct documents and ensure the process of importing your goods runs smoothly.
If your goods are then held, you will be prepared with the relevant documents to pass across to Port Health and have your goods released if there are no further issues.
You can find more information regarding Port Health’s restrictions and contact details here: Port Health: Plastic Kitchenware
Contact Shippo
We hope you found this post useful! You may be interested in our other blog stories, or reading our importing advice for newbies.
If you have any questions or concerns about importing plastic products, Port Health, or anything else to do with importing, please feel free to contact us.
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