Objective To analyze the problems and shortcomings of current safety management mode of food contact (FC) raw materials, and provide specific advices. Methods The management modes of China, the USA, Japan and Europe were compared, and the merits and demerits of different management mode in each country were analyzed to provide suggestions for the perfection of FC safety management mode in China. Results The present management mode of FC raw materials in China was dominated by polymers, supplemented by monomers and initiators. The management mode was unified, and it was unsuitable for special materials. Moreover, new varieties applying for administrative license increased greatly recently, which brought great pressure for both enterprises and government. Monomer management mode was applied in Europe, while polymer management mode was applied in the USA and Japan. Conclusion Monomer management mode was infeasible for China at the present stage, and polymer management mode was recommended. It was suggested to apply special management mode for special materials, clarify the scientific definition of “new varieties”, accelerate the development of risk assessment system, and strengthen the supervision to optimize the polymer safety management mode of FC raw materials.