French regulation specifying MOAH and MOSH contents in inks whose use is prohibited on packaging and in printing intended for the public
ContaminantsLast 3rd May was published the “Arrêté du 13 avril 2022 précisant les substances contenues dans les huiles minérales dont l’utilisation est interdite sur les emballages et pour les impressions à destination du public”.
This French regulation specifies the substances contained in mineral oils whose use is prohibited on packaging and in printing intended for the public -leaflets, brochures, etc… (JORF, 03/05). According to French legislative No. 2020-105 (AGEC) of Feb. 10, 2020 for elimination of MOH-containing inks and decree no. 2020-1725 of 29 December 2020 (Articles D. 543-45-1 et D. 543-213 of the Code of the Environment). This ban applies to mineral oils containing substances that interfere with the recycling of waste or limit the use of recycled materials because of the risks they pose to human health.
The substances concerned by the ban (based on the ANSES opinion of 8 March 2017) on the use of mineral oils are :
- Mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) with 1 to 7 aromatic rings;
- Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) with 16 to 35 carbon atoms.
Until 31 December 2024, the ban on the use of mineral oils applies when the concentration by mass in the ink of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) is greater than 1%.
From 1 January 2025, the ban on the use of mineral oils applies:
– for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), where the mass concentration in the ink of these substances is greater than 0.1% or the mass concentration in the ink of compounds with 3 to 7 aromatic rings is greater than one part per million (ppm);
– for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), where the mass concentration in the ink of these substances is greater than 0.1%.
This text will entry into force 1st January 2023