EU PPWR – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Note that this information from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) should not be taken as legal or compliance advice. Seek independent advice based on your personal operational requirements.

Overview

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is a new EU law replacing the previously Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026.

PPWR aims to ensure:

• packaging must be recyclable, minimally wasteful, and clearly labelled
• recycled content targets for plastic packaging by 2030 and 2040
• reuse or refill options must be offered for certain products
• avoidance of unnecessary packaging and harmful substances

Why it matters

UK exporters will need to comply with PPWR when selling any packaged goods to the EU. Non-compliance could result in goods being rejected at EU borders. PPWR covers all aspects of packaging, including labelling, recyclability, and reusability.

It is important that UK exporters review PPWR requirements and ensure that they are compliant prior to 12 August 2026. This includes a packaging audit to identify any excessive packaging or non-recyclable materials for example.

Who should comply

The regulation applies to:

• all businesses placing packaging on the EU market, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers
• all packaging types: primary, secondary, tertiary, and service packaging
• micro-enterprises: Subject to lighter rules but still required to meet core obligations

UK exporters must also comply with EU Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules when exporting to the EU. This involves registering with the national authority in the EU country of sale to provide data on packaging type, weight, recyclability, and recycled content.

PPWR in Northern Ireland

Please refer to guidance from the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairsopens www.daera-ni.gov.uk in a new tab.

Action checklist

It is important that businesses conduct an interview review and ensure that they are compliant with this regulation.

• understanding obligations: research into EPR scheme requirements in your EU market country (thresholds, fees etc.)
• assess your packaging: evaluate your packaging against PPWR criteria and national EPR guidelines
• register with relevant EPR schemes: register and report packaging data to national EPR schemes and pay relevant fees. Consider whether an authorised representative needs to be appointed who can manage EPR obligations locally
• data collection and reporting: ensure all relevant data required by PPWR and EPR are collected in a timely manner and that records are kept

EU Commission resources

View the following important resources for further reading and compliance guidance:

• European Commission – PPWR Overviewopens environment.ec.europa.eu in a new tab
• EUR-Lex – Full Legal Text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40opens eur-lex.europa.eu in a new tab
• European Commission – Packaging Waste Policy Pageopens environment.ec.europa.eu in a new tab
• European Commission Notice – PPWR guidance for Northern Irelandopens eur-lex.europa.eu in a new tab