The Swiss Packaging Institute (SVI) has published a practical guideline in collaboration with the Joint Industry Group for Packaging Safety (JIG) to support the new Swiss regulations for printing inks in packaging. The reason for this is the entry into force of Article 35a of Swiss Ordinance 817.023.21 on 1 February 2026. This amendment explicitly subjects printing inks and the material layers formed from them to the obligation of a Declaration of Compliance (DoC).
The guideline has been developed to provide clarity to companies in the packaging chain – from ink manufacturers to converters and brand owners – on the interpretation and application of the new requirements. The focus is on the information obligation as laid down in Annex 15 of the regulation. In practice, this means that parties must document more transparently which substances are used and under what conditions the legal requirements are met.
An important part of the guideline is the standardisation of documentation. For example, it provides examples of Statements of Compliance (SoC) that ink manufacturers provide to converters, as well as (partial) declarations of conformity that converters issue to their customers. This should ensure greater uniformity and efficiency in the exchange of information within the chain.
In addition, the guideline focuses on the assessment of substances in printing inks. Concepts such as intentionally added substances (IAS), non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) and CMR substances are clarified. It also provides guidance for risk assessment, based in part on accepted scientific principles. Practical examples and calculation models support companies in testing compliance for a wide range of applications in paper and plastic packaging.
Although the guideline is not legally binding, it serves as an important guide for the consistent and workable implementation of the new regulations. In this way, it contributes to greater clarity, better cooperation in the chain and further professionalisation of safety and documentation relating to printing inks in packaging.
IBE-BVI members can request Swiss regulation 817.023.21 on printing inks and the guideline by simply clicking here.
