European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025\/40) introduces initial compliance obligations for businesses placing packaged goods on the EU market from August 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
The European Union began applying its new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025\/40, to all packaged goods sold in the bloc from Aug. 12, 20261<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The law entered into force on Feb. 11, 2025, but its first duties only started this August2<\/a><\/sup>. More rules will follow in stages until 20401<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n In short, every box, wrapper, bottle and pallet wrap that enters the EU market now falls under one EU law. A shipment with packaging that breaks the rules can be refused at the border, and food packaging with too much of the "forever chemicals" called PFAS can no longer be sold.<\/p>\n The regulation, known as the PPWR, replaces the 1994 Packaging Directive (Directive 94\/62\/EC)2<\/a><\/sup>. That directive was repealed on 12 August 2026<\/strong>, although some of its provisions still apply after that date2<\/a><\/sup>. A directive let each country write its own rules. A regulation applies directly in every EU country.<\/p>\n The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, says the law covers all packaging, whatever its material or origin2<\/a><\/sup>. It sets rules for how packaging is made, what it contains, and whether it can be reused or recycled. It also covers how packaging waste is collected and handled.<\/p>\n Packaging that meets the regulation can be sold freely across the EU3<\/a><\/sup>. EU countries cannot add national rules that conflict with it, unless the regulation allows this. For an exporter, this means one set of design rules for 27 markets, instead of many different ones.<\/p>\n The main rule that started on Aug. 12 limits PFAS in packaging that touches food4<\/a><\/sup>. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that stay in the environment and the human body for a very long time. Food packaging with PFAS above the legal limits<\/strong> can no longer be sold in the EU4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The Commission’s news release of Aug. 11, 2026, lists the goods most affected4<\/a><\/sup>. Makers have used PFAS to keep water and grease out of these items:<\/p>\n Suppliers of these items now need proof that their products stay under the limits. The news release does not give the limit values themselves. In March 2026, the Commission published guidance with practical information on how the PFAS rules apply4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The rules apply to every business that sells packaging in the EU, the UK government’s export guide says1<\/a><\/sup>. That includes manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. Micro-enterprises, the smallest firms, follow lighter rules but must still meet the core duties.<\/p>\n The guide lists four kinds of packaging that are covered1<\/a><\/sup>. Primary packaging holds the product itself. Secondary packaging groups several items, and tertiary packaging is used for transport. Service packaging, such as a takeaway cup, is filled at the point of sale.<\/p>\n The UK guide warns exporters directly about border checks. Goods that do not meet the PPWR could be rejected at EU borders<\/strong>1<\/a><\/sup>. This covers any exporter outside the bloc that sends packaged goods into it.<\/p>\n The UK guide lists the papers a seller needs for packaging sold from Aug. 12, 20261<\/a><\/sup>. The main ones are:<\/p>\n Sellers must also follow each country’s producer responsibility rules, known as EPR. Under these schemes, the business that sells the packaging pays towards collecting and recycling it. Exporters must register with the national authority<\/strong> in the EU country of sale1<\/a><\/sup>. They report the type, weight, recyclability and recycled content of their packaging, and pay the scheme’s fees.<\/p>\n Some sellers may need an authorised representative, a person or firm inside the EU who handles these duties locally1<\/a><\/sup>. In December 2025, the Commission proposed suspending this duty for producers that sell packaged goods directly to consumers in other EU countries2<\/a><\/sup>. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU are still examining that proposal.<\/p>\n Most of the law’s demands come later. From 2028, a common label<\/strong> for packaging will apply across the EU to help people sort waste4<\/a><\/sup>. The labels will show what the packaging is made of, where to throw it away and how to return it for reuse5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\nWhat does the EU packaging law change from August 2026?<\/h2>\n
Which food packaging must now be free of PFAS?<\/h2>\n
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Who must follow the PPWR rules for goods sold in the EU?<\/h2>\n
What documents does a shipment need under the PPWR?<\/h2>\n
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Papers for packaging sold in the EU<\/h4>\n
When do the next PPWR rules on labels and recycling start?<\/h2>\n
PPWR rules arrive in stages<\/h4>\n