Publication Date: October 19, 2026
Industry: Metal Packaging | Food Contact Materials | Tinplate Cans
Argentina Updates Food-Contact Metal Packaging Requirements
On July 29, 2026, Argentina published Joint Resolution 8/2026, incorporating MERCOSUR Resolution GMC No. 48/23 into its national legal framework. The update revises technical requirements for metal packaging, coatings, utensils, lids and equipment intended for food contact.
Companies have a 180-day adaptation period to comply with the updated technical requirements. For food manufacturers, importers and metal packaging suppliers, this is an important time to review material specifications, internal coatings and supporting technical documentation.
Official source: Argentina Joint Resolution 8/2026
1. What Has Changed for Tinplate Cans and Metal Lids?
The updated Argentine Food Code explicitly lists two categories of tinplate used in metal packaging:
- Tinplate without a polymer coating.
- Tinplate with a full or partial internal polymer coating.
The resolution also updates provisions concerning permitted metal materials and their conditions of use. This makes it important for suppliers and buyers to confirm that the selected packaging materials and coatings meet the requirements applicable to their specific food products.
For canned food manufacturers, compliance should not be assessed on the can body alone. The intended use of the packaging and the suitability of the complete food-contact system also need to be considered.
2. Material Composition and Safety Requirements
The resolution revises limits for certain metallic impurities. Under the updated provisions, the combined content of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and antimony impurities must not exceed 1%. Individual limits also apply: mercury, lead and cadmium must each remain at or below 0.01%, while arsenic must not exceed 0.030%.
These requirements highlight the importance of material control and reliable technical documentation throughout the metal packaging supply chain.
Buyers should consult the official text and qualified compliance professionals to determine the specific testing and verification measures applicable to their products.
3. What Should Argentine Importers Check Before Ordering?
Before placing an order for tinplate cans, easy-open ends or metal lids, buyers should confirm the following with their packaging supplier:
Material specifications: Confirm the tinplate grade, thickness and applicable material requirements.
Internal coating: Identify the coating type and whether it is suitable for the intended food product and processing conditions.
Food compatibility: Provide details of the contents, including acidity, salt content and processing conditions where relevant.
Technical documentation: Request relevant material specifications, coating information, test reports and food-contact compliance documents.
Transition planning: Review the 180-day adaptation period and confirm any applicable deadlines and documentation requirements with local compliance professionals.
Clarifying these details early can help reduce technical uncertainty, prevent unnecessary sampling delays and support a smoother purchasing process.
4. Sourcing Tinplate Packaging for the Argentine Market
Choosing a suitable packaging supplier requires more than comparing unit prices. Material quality, coating suitability, sealing performance and consistency between samples and mass production are all important considerations.
At SIKUN, we specialize in B2B metal packaging solutions, including tinplate cans, aluminum cans, easy-open ends and metal closures.
We work with customers to evaluate packaging specifications and develop solutions aligned with their product requirements and intended applications.
Looking for a reliable metal packaging supplier for Argentina?
Contact SIKUN to discuss your can and lid specifications, request technical information and obtain a quotation tailored to your project.
Post time: Oct-19-2026