From 12 August 2026, the new European PPWR – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40 will be directly applied, which brings new requirements for packaging and packaging waste.
The changes will also significantly affect importers of goods from third countries. It will now not be enough to verify the compliance of the product itself. Its packaging also becomes a separate part of compliance – from sales packaging through cartons, foils and fillings to pallets, labels or transport packaging.
What will the importer have to deal with?
In particular, before placing a packaging or packaged product on the EU market, it will be necessary to:
- verify that the manufacturer has carried out a conformity assessment of the packaging;
- ensure the availability of EU declarations of conformity;
- verify the existence of the relevant technical documentation;
- check the material composition and labeling of the packaging,
- pay particular attention to the limits for PFAS and other hazardous substances for food packaging;
- correctly identify the role of the importer, manufacturer and entity responsible for EPR;
- ensure that the documentation is traceable and available for possible inspection.
Therefore, we recommend that you include the PPWR documentation check in the phase before the goods are shipped from a third country, not after their arrival in the EU.
We have prepared a practical brochure for importers
For our customers and business partners, we have prepared an information brochure “PPWR for importers of goods to the EU”, which clearly summarizes the new obligations, required documents, the time schedule of individual changes and a practical checklist for importers.
The brochure also includes recommendations for setting up cooperation with suppliers outside the EU and an overview of steps that should be taken by August 12, 2026.
The complete PPWR information brochure for importers can be found here.
