PPWR: Packaging Becomes a Real Compliance Issue
Published in September 2026 · Reading time: 2 minSince August 12, 2026, a new regulatory phase has begun for European companies. The European regulation on packaging and packaging waste, better known by the acronym PPWR, is now applicable throughout the European Union to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and harmonize rules.
A Massive Scope of Application
The stakes are far from marginal, as 40% of the plastics and 50% of the paper used in Europe are intended for packaging, accounting for 36% of municipal solid waste. The new regulation covers all packaging placed on the European market, regardless of its material, use, or business sector, meaning manufacturers, importers, distributors, and producers are directly concerned.
New Compliance and Traceability Obligations
Since August 2026, several requirements must be taken into account, notably the principle that packaging must be recyclable. It limits certain substances and applies specific thresholds to PFAS present in packaging intended to come into contact with food.
Manufacturers must have an EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation demonstrating compliance. For importers, they must verify the compliance of packaging and packaged products, retrieve the necessary documents, and ensure their own identification on the packaging.
Customs Impact and Upcoming Deadlines
On the declarative front, no changes are planned for filling out the customs declaration in DELTA IE. However, the majority of the obligations apply upon release for free circulation, and customs can suspend the release of a good to request the competent surveillance authority to verify its compliance.
New requirements will progressively come into application, including harmonized labeling and compostability obligations in 2028, and design requirements, recycled content, and restrictions on single-use plastics from 2030, with targets strengthening until 2040.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European PPWR regulation?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is an EU regulation applicable since August 2026 aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging. It covers all packaging on the European market and mandates recyclability, traceability, and limits on substances like PFAS.
What are the new obligations for importers?
Importers must verify the compliance of the packaging and packaged products they bring in, retrieve the necessary technical documents and declarations of conformity, and ensure their own identification is on the packaging.
Can customs block goods for non-compliant packaging?
Yes, while the customs declaration process in DELTA IE doesn’t change, obligations apply upon release for free circulation. Customs authorities can suspend this release to have the competent authority verify the packaging’s compliance.
