24 July 2026 – The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – becomes mandatory across all 27 EU Member States from 12 August 2026, replacing the old directive with a directly applicable legal framework.
Who Must Comply?
All businesses placing packaging or packaged goods on the EU market – including manufacturers, importers, distributors, online sellers, and non-EU companies – must meet the new requirements.
Key Obligations from 12 August 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| EU Declaration of Conformity | Each packaging type must be supported by a DoC and complete technical documentation (retained for 5 years for single-use, 10 years for reusable) |
| Substance Restrictions | Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr⁶⁺) ≤ 100 mg/kg; PFAS in food-contact packaging above specified thresholds prohibited |
| Manufacturer Identification | Name, address, batch/serial number, and digital contact (email/URL/QR code) on packaging |
| EPR Registration | Register in each EU Member State of sale; non-EU sellers must appoint local EPR authorised representatives |
| EU Authorised Representative (Art. 17) |
Mandatory for all non-EU manufacturers – distinct from EPR representatives |
Phased Timeline
12 August 2026: DoC, substance restrictions, labelling, EPR registration, Article 17 representative
From 2028: Recycled content minimums; harmonised labelling (subject to implementing acts)
1 January 2030: All packaging must be recyclable (A, B or C grade); packaging minimisation rules apply
Immediate Actions
Audit all packaging types placed on the EU market
Prepare technical documentation and DoC
Appoint an EU Authorised Representative (Art. 17) if non-EU based
Complete EPR registration or appoint EPR representatives in each Member State
Verify substance compliance (heavy metals, PFAS)
Update packaging labels with manufacturer identification
Non-compliance risks: market access restrictions, platform delisting, and significant penalties.
Only 3 weeks left – act now!
