It is now prohibited to import foods containing titanium dioxide – Finnish Customs controls imports

Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 entered into force on 7 August 2022, which means that foods containing titanium dioxide (E 171) may no longer be placed on the market. After that date, they may, however, remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or ‘use by’ date.

At Finnish Customs, we monitor the occurrence of titanium dioxide in imported foods. We can also prohibit the imports of titanium dioxide for production of foods. 

The ban is based on the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that the genotoxic effects of titanium dioxide cannot be ruled out. In the past, titanium dioxide has been widely used e.g. in sweets, pastries, sauces and food supplements.
 

More information

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171)