The present application relates to a white, biaxially oriented, flame-retardant polyester film with at least one base layer which comprises, based on the weight of the base layer, from 2 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), where the glass transition temperature of the COC is within the range from 70 to 270° C. The film also comprises from 0.5 to 30% by weight of flame retardant, based on the weight of the layer comprising the flame retardant. The film of the invention is suitable for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air, or for use in industry, e.g. in the production of hot-stamping foils or as a label film, or for image-recording papers, printed sheets or magnetic recording cards.