From 1 July 2011, imports of plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong will have to be a accompanied by a declaration and analytical results to confirm that they comply with limits on the release of harmful chemicals. Although the law in the UK has not yet been published, it will be aligned with the EU directive, which affects plastic materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs and are intended for that purpose. Products originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong are ‘controlled’, which means that they will only be permitted to be imported when accompanied by a declaration and laboratory report.