Figure 1 Notifying country in the first quarter
2. Notifying product and Notifying subject As shown in Figure 2, during the first quarter or 2018 melamine products, metal products and plastics were predominately notified, accounting for 55% of the total. Figure 3 shows in more detail how the main hazards for notifications were the migration of heavy metals and melamine from products, and the overall high level of migration. This warns exporters that compliance with the restrictions in the FCM regulatory system in EU and supervision of the products quality is of extreme relevance.
Figure 2 Notifying product in the first quarter
Figure 3 Notifying subject in the first quarter
3. Notified country It is worth noting that the most notified products came from China, as shown in Figure 4, with a total of 71% unqualified products of Chinese origin. Chinese enterprises should focus more on improving their production technology and follow changes in European import policies to ensure trade is run smoothly.
Figure 4 Notified country in the first quarter
4. Suggestions on the countermeasures As a first step, enterprises should strengthen their tracking of food contact material regulations, including amendments and redresses in EU, focusing on the regulatory differences that may exist in different countries. Secondly, it is recommended that exporters increase the level of investment in technology, regularly improve their quality management and assurance system and standard processing technology. Finally, while they consolidate their presence in the EU market, enterprises could also actively explore emerging markets, seek new partners, implement diversified strategies on existing trading partners and seek ways to overcome food contact technology trade barriers in developed countries.
