Anti-mold chips and bags placed in shoe boxes are packaging components under Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR). Bester has been tested to Article 5 heavy-metal limits and holds SGS reports for DMF and REACH SVHC, for brand review and technical documentation.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 · applicable from 12 August 2026
Applies directly in all Member States to packaging and packaging components placed on the EU market. Manufacturers must keep technical documentation showing that packaging meets the applicable substance restrictions.
What the PPWR covers
The PPWR replaces Directive 94/62/EC. For footwear exports, that includes the sales packaging (the shoe box) and auxiliary items used to protect the product inside it — anti-mold chips, anti-mold bags and desiccants. Industry practice treats desiccant sachets as auxiliary packaging; the same logic applies to anti-mold inserts.
Article 5: heavy metals in packaging
Article 5 applies to all packaging and packaging components, whether or not they contact food. The sum of the concentration levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) shall not exceed 100 mg/kg (100 ppm). It is a combined limit, not four separate 100 mg/kg limits.
Official wording (Article 5)
the sum of the concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium present in packaging or packaging components shall not exceed 100 mg/kg.
Footwear buyers also typically request DMF (dimethyl fumarate) not detected, and REACH SVHC screening (251 substances). These three files are the documents most often requested for anti-mold packaging. RoHS uses wider individual limits and does not by itself replace the PPWR Article 5 combined 100 mg/kg threshold.
Bester test results
Anti-mold chips and bags are tested by SGS. Packaging heavy metals meet the Article 5 limit. DMF is not detected. All 251 SVHC substances are ≤ 0.1% (w/w).
| Test | Requirement | SGS Report No. | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy metals in packaging Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI) |
PPWR Article 5 sum ≤ 100 mg/kg |
SGS — available on request | PASS |
| REACH SVHC (251 substances) | each ≤ 0.1% (w/w) | CANAF26001423003 |
PASS |
| DMF (dimethyl fumarate) | Not detected (< 0.1 mg/kg) | CANAF26001423001 |
Not Detected |
Full PDFs are issued by product model for brand audits and as test evidence in technical documentation.
Products covered
| Product | Model | DMF | SVHC | Packaging heavy metals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti Mold Chip | A505 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti Mold Bag | C304 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Super Hybrid Desiccant | 297 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Container Desiccant Pole | 303 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
FAQ
- Are anti-mold chips and bags packaging under the PPWR?
- Yes. The PPWR covers materials used to contain, protect, handle or present a product. An anti-mold chip, bag or desiccant placed in a shoe box for protection is treated as auxiliary packaging / a packaging component.
- Does a RoHS or REACH report replace PPWR heavy-metal testing?
- Not automatically. RoHS allows 1000 mg/kg for lead, mercury and Cr(VI) individually, and 100 mg/kg for cadmium. Article 5 requires the sum of all four to stay at or below 100 mg/kg. An existing report can be used only if the measured sum already meets that limit. Otherwise a packaging heavy-metals report is needed. Bester has been tested to this limit.
- Is PFAS testing required for footwear anti-mold packaging?
- PPWR Article 5 PFAS restrictions apply to food-contact packaging. Standard shoe-box anti-mold inserts are not food-contact packaging. Buyers typically ask for heavy metals, DMF and SVHC. Additional tests can be discussed if a customer specification requires them.
- What documents can Bester provide?
- SGS test reports (EN/CN, by product model) for supply-chain files and brand audits. Use the inquiry form or WhatsApp below.
Request SGS reports
Send an inquiry or message us on WhatsApp. Include your company name and product model (A505 / C304, etc.).