German Ink Ordinance (GIO) – A New Standard for Printing Ink Compliance
At Resino, compliance with the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) is fully integrated into our development and raw material approval processes. The purpose is clear: to ensure safe, transparent and future-ready printing ink solutions for food packaging applications.
With our structured compliance approach, we support customers with documentation, migration assessment and regulatory guidance — helping you meet requirements across the value chain with confidence.
The German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) is one of the most important regulatory developments within printing inks in Europe. Although legally binding in Germany, it is increasingly influencing compliance strategies across the European market and as reference in other parts of the world.
With full application expected after 31 December 2026 (based on current timelines), companies throughout the value chain must ensure that their formulations, documentation and compliance processes meet the new requirements.
GIO regulates printed materials where migration from the ink layer into food cannot be excluded. Importantly, the regulation applies to the final printed material placed on the market not the ink alone. It introduces a positive list of permitted substances (Annex 14.1 and 14.2), defined migration limits, restrictions on CMR substances and mandatory risk assessment of NIAS (Non-Intentionally Added Substances).
While national in scope, GIO has become a reference framework for responsible ink formulation and regulatory transparency across Europe.
Resino’s Compliance Strategy
At Resino, compliance with the German Ink Ordinance is already fully integrated into our product development and raw material approval processes.
All intentionally added substances are systematically assessed against the GIO positive lists in Annex 14.1 and 14.2. Where relevant, substances are also cross-checked with EU Regulation 10/2011 to ensure broader European alignment.
GIO places strict restrictions on substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR). Resino does not use intentionally added CMR-classified substances in GIO-compliant products. As part of our proactive approach, ECC (CAS 2386-87-0), reclassified as a Category 2 mutagen under CLP, has already been fully substituted across the RESUCAT portfolio ahead of enforcement.
This early action ensures long-term regulatory stability and reduces risk for our customers.
Migration, NIAS and Documentation
For certain indirect applications, non-listed substances may be used in specific cases, provided they are not classified as CMR and migration remains below a toxicological screening threshold of 0.05 mg/kg (50 ppb), where applicable, based on EFSA principles for non-genotoxic substances.
Migration performance depends on factors such as substrate type, ink laydown, curing conditions and the overall structure of the printed material.
As GIO regulates the final printed material, compliance must ultimately be verified at that level. Resino supports this process with data and guidance related to migration assessment, while testing is performed at final article level, aligned with EU 10/2011 principles, appropriate simulants and defined worst-case testing conditions.
The evaluation of NIAS is also a key requirement under GIO. At Resino, NIAS are assessed according to internationally recognised scientific principles, supported by supplier data and continuous raw material monitoring.
To ensure transparency, we are prepared to provide a Statement of Composition (SoC) aligned with EuPIA principles. This documentation supports customers in meeting their obligations under Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Good Manufacturing Practice (EC No 2023/2006).
Resino, German Ink Ordinance compliance is built into the formulation from the start — ensuring responsible, transparent and future-ready printing ink solutions.
