WTO Notification: Turkiye Revises Draft Communication on Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food to Address Bisphenol A

On April 8, 2026, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated Addendum G/SPS/N/TUR/105/Add.2 notifying modifications to a previously notified draft regulation titled "Turkish Food Codex Communique on Amending the Communique on Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food." The measure, issued by Turkiye, updates the original notification submitted in November 2018. The revised draft introduces changes to the scope and content of the regulation, including the removal of entry No. 151 concerning Bisphenol A (BPA) from Annex I, Table 1 of the Communique. The amendment reflects a regulatory shift whereby BPA, along with other hazardous bisphenols and derivatives, will instead be governed under a separate, dedicated Communique. Additionally, a new provision is introduced clarifying that Bisphenol A and related substances may only be used in the manufacture of plastic materials and articles in accordance with the specific restrictions set out in the new Communique on bisphenols. The addendum indicates that the draft regulation is still under development and consultation, with a revised comment period of 60 days from circulation of the addendum, ending on June 7, 2026. The objective of the measure is to strengthen food safety controls and align regulatory treatment of bisphenols in food contact materials.