Articles 2, 3 and 4 shall not apply to materials and articles referred to in Article 1(2)(b) and (c) which are brought into contact with food before 1 March 2003.

Articles 3 and 4 shall not apply to materials and articles which are in compliance with Directive 2002/16/EC and which are brought into contact with food before 1 January 2005.

Article 5 shall not apply to materials and articles referred to Article 1(2)(a)(b) and (c) which are brought into contact with food before 1 January 2007.

The materials and articles referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 may be placed on the market provided the date of filling appears on the materials and articles. The date of filling may be replaced by another indication, provided it permits the identification of the date of filling. Upon request the date of filling shall be made available to the competent authorities and any person enforcing the requirements of this Regulation.

Paragraphs 1 to 4 shall apply without prejudice to the requirements of Directive 2000/13/EC.