Heavy metals in fluoropolymer coatings to be regulated in Thailand

In Thailand, the Ministry of Industry (MOI) is a cabinet ministry responsible for promoting and regulating industries. To ensure consumer safety, and safeguard human health, Thailand has published Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 2622-2556 (2013) that will restrict the amount of lead and cadmium in fluoropolymer coatings for metal utensils used for cooking with heat. The standard will enter into force on 2^nd April 2023.

The standard only applies to utensils formed from a metal substrate where the side in direct contact with food is coated with a fluoropolymer and is to be used for cooking with heat. Cooking utensils and electric appliances that cook with electrical heating are excluded. The Fluoropolymer coated utensils in contact with food must comply with the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 2622-2556 (2013) (Fluoropolymer-coated utensils in contact with food), that outlines the migration limits for lead, cadmium, and certain volatile substances which must not exceed 100mg/kg.

The specifications also list the utensils’ coating materials, including polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene, and perfluoro-alkoxyalkane. Furthermore, the standard TIS 656 must also be used to test leachable chemicals for heavy metals and substances that react with potassium permanganate.

In addition, the notification also specifies the requirements related to limitations on container evaporation, packaging and product labeling, properties of the surface, the hardness of the coating, and abrasion resistance.