New EU requirements for crystal glass food packaging: what manufacturers and companies must do in 2026

Key data

If your company manufactures crystal glass bottles for wine or spirits, or markets high-end preserves in crystal glass packaging, this regulation directly affects you. The Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/1948, published on 28 October 2026, amends Decision 2001/171/EC, which has been regulating the conditions under which crystal glass packaging can be in contact with food for over two decades.

The change is significant: the technical requirements or exceptions applicable to a material that, due to its composition—with metal oxides such as lead or barium—requires specific conditions to ensure food safety are being updated. Those who fail to adapt may see their ability to sell in Europe restricted.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2001/171/EC has established for over 25 years the special conditions under which crystal glass could be used as a material in contact with food, given that this type of glass incorporates in its composition metal oxides—primarily lead and barium—which in other circumstances would be restricted or prohibited in food applications.

The new Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/1948 updates that regulation. Although the complete text of the specific technical changes must be consulted in the official source, the amendment affects the technical requirements or exceptions applicable to this material. This means that the conditions under which crystal glass can be marketed in contact with food in the European market have changed.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this regulation translates into three concrete areas for affected companies:

• Review and certification costs: Companies manufacturing crystal glass packaging will need to verify whether their current products meet the new technical requirements. This may involve laboratory testing, updates to technical data sheets, and, where applicable, reformulation of the material.
• Risk of commercial restriction: Non-compliance can result in restrictions on marketing in the European market. For exporting companies or those with pan-European distribution chains, this represents a direct risk to their sales volume.
• Supplier review: Food sector companies that use crystal glass packaging—but do not manufacture it—must ensure that their suppliers comply with the new regulation. Otherwise, the risk of non-compliance is also transferred to them.

The regulation does not specify penalty amounts or adaptation periods in the published information, so it is essential to consult the complete text in the official source to learn the implementation details.

Who does it affect?

The regulation has direct impact on two large groups of companies:

• Manufacturers of crystal glass packaging: Companies that produce bottles, jars, glasses, or other crystal glass containers intended to hold food or beverages.
• Food sector companies that use crystal glass packaging: Including, specifically, the following sectors:
  • Wine industry (wineries, wine distributors)
  • Manufacturers and distributors of spirits and distilled beverages
  • Gourmet food (premium products in crystal packaging)
  • High-end preserves (pâtés, foie gras, delicatessen products)

If your company purchases crystal glass packaging from a supplier and uses it to market food in Europe, you are also within the scope of this regulation.

Practical example

Imagine a Spanish premium wine winery that bottles its product in crystal glass bottles—a material commonly used in premium wines for its transparency and visual presence. With the entry into force of Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/1948, this winery must verify that the bottles it purchases from its supplier meet the new technical requirements established for crystal glass in contact with food.

If the packaging supplier has not updated its certification in accordance with the new regulation, the winery cannot guarantee regulatory compliance of its final product. This can result in problems in customs controls within the EU, product recalls from the market, or loss of access to certain European distribution channels.

The immediate step for this winery is to request from its packaging supplier the updated declaration of conformity in accordance with Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/1948, before the regulation becomes mandatory.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if you use crystal glass in your value chain: Determine whether your packaging or that of your suppliers is crystal glass (with metal oxides such as lead or barium) and not common glass. These are different materials with different regulations.
2. Review compliance of your packaging suppliers: Request from your suppliers the updated technical documentation that certifies that their products meet the new requirements of Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/1948.
3. Update your regulatory compliance documentation: If you are a packaging manufacturer, review your technical data sheets, declarations of conformity, and, where appropriate, conduct the necessary laboratory testing to certify compliance with the new requirements.
4. Consult the complete text of the regulation: The entry into force date has not been specified in the published information. Access the full text on EUR-Lex to learn the exact adaptation timelines.
5. Seek advice from a specialist in food contact materials regulation: If you have doubts about whether your product or process is affected, consult an expert in food regulation or packaging standards before the regulation becomes mandatory.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601948