The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It applies to all packaging, whether household or commercial.
In particular, this regulation strengthens requirements regarding environmental sustainability and labeling, sets new targets for reduction, reuse, and recycling, and harmonizes obligations related to extended producer responsibility (EPR). Depending on their role in the value chain, different obligations apply to economic operators and Member States.
A phased implementation beginning August 12, 2026
August 12, 2026, is the general effective date of the PPWR: when no specific date is specified for an obligation, it becomes effective on that date.
However, some measures will take effect at a later date. These either require the adoption of additional implementing regulations by the European Commission or the implementation of actions by Member States, or correspond to targets set primarily for 2030 and 2040.
The implementation of the regulation is further clarified in the European Commission’s guidance document and in its FAQ, which was updated on August 3.
This takes effect on August 12, 2026
Effective August 12, 2026, packaging placed on the market in the European Union must be “compliant.” Specifically:
The manufacturer must prepare a conformity assessment and an EU declaration of conformity for each package placed on the market;
The importer must verify these items before placing the product on the market;
The manufacturer must retain the relevant technical documentation for 5 years, and for 10 years in the case of reusable packaging;
The packaging must bear an identification number as well as the manufacturer’s contact information and, if applicable, the importer’s contact information.
These compliance requirements must be read in conjunction with the substantive sustainability requirements, which are being phased in gradually.
Packaging and its components must therefore comply with the new requirements regarding the presence and concentration of substances of concern in packaging.
With regard to recyclability and minimizing packaging, the existing requirements continue to apply: manufacturers must comply with the requirements set forth in Directive 94/62 and the corresponding harmonized standards, such as EN 13430:2004 and EN 13428:2004, until the new requirements under the PPWR are published and take effect in 2030.
In addition, also effective August 12, 2026, reusable packaging must comply with the requirements set forth inArticle 11 of the PPWR. In particular, it must be designed and manufactured for the purpose of being reused multiple times, comply with health, safety, and hygiene requirements, be capable of being repackaged, emptied, and refilled without posing a risk, and be recyclable.
These requirements are consistent with those set forth in Directive 94/62 and the existing standard EN 13429:2004. Since the minimum number of rotations has not yet been defined, this requirement is not yet applicable.
Coordination with national EPR schemes
With regard to extended producer responsibility (EPR), the PPWR harmonizes certain rules applicable to EPR systems established in the various Member States, with the aimof reducing the administrative burden on economic operators. The regulation therefore complements existing national systems.
In France, two sectors are particularly affected:
The EPR program for household packaging and paper;
The new EPR program for commercial packaging, which is now scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.
Next Steps
To prepare for compliance with the PPWR, several steps can be taken right away:
Mapping packaging and responsibilities: first, identifying packaging placed on the market by type (transport, grouped packaging, sales packaging, service packaging, or primary production packaging); and second, determining responsibility based on the entity’s profile: packaging manufacturer or manufacturer of packaged products (physical manufacturer or contracting party), importer, distance seller, unpacker, or supplier to a micro-enterprise acting as a contracting party;
Comply with applicable sustainability requirements and prepare the necessary documentation;
Prepare for compliance with EPR obligations in France by joining, depending on the type of packaging, an eco-organization for **EPR of household packaging and paper, such as **Léko and/or for the EPR of commercial packaging, such as Léko Pro.
📄Sources: Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of December 19, 2024, on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR); Directive 94/62/EC; European Commission Guidance Document on the PPWR (C/2026/3084); European Commission FAQs on the PPWR, published on August 3, 2026; standards EN 13428:2004, EN 13429:2004, and EN 13430:2004; Environmental Code; Law No. 2026-602 of July 8, 2026; DDADUE Bill No. 2518; Decree No. 2025-1081 of November 17, 2025, concerning packaging and packaging waste and establishing the extended producer responsibility system for packaging consumed or used by professionals; Order of December 2, 2025, concerning packaging for products used by households and professionals.