The Center for ASEAN Food Contact Materials Testing is an internal organization of Department of Science Service (DSS), formerly known as the Food Packaging Section which was a sub-unit of the Biological Science Program in the DSS. According to the directive of the DSS No. 29/2558, on 29^th January 2015, the center was established by Director General, Dr. Suthiweth T. Saengchantara. The DSS has been designated to be ASEAN Food Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials (AFRL) for 5 year-term by ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standard and Quality (ACCSQ) in September 2014. The AFRL is responsible for product safety and quality assurance in ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by mean of standard testing services including both classical and instrumental analyses to facilitate free trade and investment in AEC.   

                The accredited lab scope according to ISO/IEC 17025 is classified into 6 categories of food contact materials including plastic; metal and metal alloy; ceramic; glass; varnish and coating; and silicone. In the near future, other materials commonly used for food contact purpose, such as paper etc. will be included in the expansion of the accreditation scope in the area of expertise.