Because of an increasing demand on food quality and safety from consumers， active food contact materials that can improve food freshness and extend shelf life are emerging. This paper summarizes and analyzes the types， functions， mechanism and application methods of active substances commonly used in active food contact materials at present. The regulations and standards of active food contact materials at home and abroad are discussed. The existing problems and development directions are summarized to provide scientific basis for promoting safely use， commercial produce and regulation formulation.