On July 30, 2026, Israel notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its proposal to restrict bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials (FCMs). The proposal is largely based on the EU’s Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 (FPF reported), adopted following the European Food Safety Authority’s 2023 conclusion that dietary exposure to BPA poses a health concern for all population groups, even at exposure levels substantially lower than previously considered safe (FPF reported). Israel’s current requirements for BPA in FCMs are based on Regulation (EU) 10/2011, which has previously been incorporated into national legislation. WTO members may submit comments on the proposal until September 28, 2026.
According to the proposal, BPA would be prohibited in FCMs alongside other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives that have harmonized classifications for certain hazardous properties. The broader restriction is intended to prevent manufacturers from replacing BPA with substances that have a similar hazard profile, thereby addressing concerns about regrettable substitutions.
The Israeli Ministry of Health states that the proposed measure is intended “to maintain a high level of protection of public health, to ensure risk-based and up-to-date regulation, and to preserve regulatory alignment with the European Union in the field of food contact materials.”
Scope of the proposal
According to the proposal, the regulation would apply to approved food importers using the European track, manufacturers holding specific approvals under certain provisions of the existing law, and distributors supplying products from those importers or manufacturers. However, it is unclear to the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) whether imports handled outside the European track would be affected by the proposed bisphenol restrictions.
The proposal would also exclude certain EU-specific administrative provisions, such as procedures for requesting authorization of bisphenol uses and requirements related to EU reference laboratories.
Transition periods
The draft regulation includes several transition periods intended to reduce disruptions to food supply chains. According to the proposal, food may continue to be packed into BPA-containing single-use food contact articles manufactured before the regulation takes effect for up to 12 months, until existing stocks are exhausted. Certain categories of packaging, including some packaging used for fruits, vegetables, and fishery products, could remain on the market until January 20, 2028, provided they comply with the previous legal requirements.
According to the proposal, food contact articles with BPA-containing lacquers or coatings applied only to the external metal surface would also benefit from transitional provisions. Reusable BPA-containing food contact articles manufactured before the date of application could remain on the market until July 20, 2027. For professional food processing equipment, such as storage containers, conveyors, and mixers, marketing would be permitted until January 20, 2028, with continued use allowed until January 20, 2029. According to the explanatory notes, these provisions are intended to avoid unnecessary waste, maintain supply chain continuity, and provide time for operators to identify suitable alternatives.
Israel’s broader chemicals strategy
This proposal comes amid broader efforts by Israel to strengthen chemicals management. In May 2026, the Israeli government approved a proposal to advance a Chemicals Registration Law that would establish the country’s first comprehensive framework for the registration, assessment, and risk management of chemicals. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the legislation is intended to support Israel’s commitments as a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and provide authorities with more systematic information on chemical properties, uses, and risks.
References
WTO. (July 30, 2026). “Notification G/SPS/N/ISR/16. Public Health Protection Notice (Food) Order (Adoption of Regulation 2024/3190 – Use of Bisphenols in Certain Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food), 5786–2026.”
Israeli Ministry of Health. (2026). “Public Health Protection Notice (Food) Order (Adoption of Regulation 2024/3190 – Use of Bisphenols in Certain Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food), 5786–2026.” (in Hebrew)
Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection. (May 17, 2026). “The government today approved a proposal by the Ministry of Environmental Protection to promote the Chemicals Registration Law.” (in Hebrew)
