When a shipment of custom thermoformed blister packaging was detained at Rotterdam Port due to mismatched material codes, the client lost $12,000 daily in delayed production. Such scenarios are preventable. Here’s how to master EU and US customs for blister shipments—and turn compliance into competitive advantage. 

Know the Divide: EU vs. US Regulatory Landscapes 

For EU Markets:  

- Material Restrictions: PVC blister trays require REACH SVHC documentation (≥0.1% DEHP)  

- Recycling Symbols: Mandatory resin ID codes (e.g., ♸PETG blister packaging)  

- Eco-Contributions: EPR fees apply in France/Germany for non-recyclable **clamshell packaging**  

For US Entry:  

- FDA Compliance: Food-contact clear blister packs need 21 CFR 177.1630 certification  

- FTC Labeling: “Made in [Origin]” must be permanently molded, not stickered  

• Duty Savings: HTS code 3923.10 reduces tariffs for pharmaceutical blister strips.
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• 5 Red Flags That Trigger Customs Delays
• 1. Missing test reports for heavy metals (EU RoHS/CPSIA)  
• 2. Incorrectly labeled “recyclable” without local certification (e.g., How2Recycle for USA)  
• 3. Undervalued shipments of multi-cavity blister trays (customs uses cavity count for valuation)  
• 4. Unapproved additives like colorants in medical-grade blister foils  
• 5. Ambiguous product descriptions (e.g., “plastic holder” vs. “child-resistant blister card”)  

Proven Strategies for Seamless Clearance 

- Pre-shipment audits: Use ISO 17025-certified labs to test blister materials against target markets  

- Smart documentation: Bundle SDS, conformity certificates, and IMPA codes in a custom blister compliance dossier 

- Strategic repacking: Separate PVC/PETG blister trays to avoid mixed-material tariffs  

• Leverage partnerships: Work with customs-savvy blister packaging suppliers pre-loaded with EU TARIC/US HTS codes  

Hidden Opportunity: Compliance as Marketing

Top exporters now use compliance to differentiate:  

- Promote dual-certified blister packs (CE + FDA) for cross-market efficiency  

- Offer pre-labeled packaging: Multilingual recycling info printed on anti-static blister foils

• Highlight cost wins: Our client saved 19% on EU duties using recycled PETG blister sheets with EPR exemptions  

Mastering customs isn’t about jumping hurdles—it’s about building smarter global blister packaging solutions. From child-resistant pharmaceutical blisters to retail-ready RFID blister cards, the right partner turns regulations into your roadmap.