The European Commission has officially released the implementation guidelines fo

Date：2026-04-03 09:45:07 Classification ：【Statute】 Visits：

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On March 30, 2026, the European Commission released implementation guidelines for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), aimed at promoting the unified implementation of new packaging rules within the EU and simplifying compliance processes for economic entities and member states. The comprehensive implementation of this regulation will help create a more sustainable and competitive packaging industry within the EU, and strengthen the packaging single market through common rules.

In 2023, an average of 178 kilograms of packaging waste will be generated per European. If no intervention measures are taken, the total amount of packaging waste may increase by another 19% compared to 2018 levels by 2030, while plastic waste may increase by as much as 46%. At the same time, due to differences in packaging regulations among member countries, the packaging industry is facing significant administrative burdens.

The guidance document released by the committee today clarifies the rules that need further explanation in PPWR, as well as the areas where stakeholders seek help. For example, it specifies when a company is considered a manufacturer or producer, and which items in PPWR are considered packaging.

This document also elaborates on the implementation of restrictions on disposable packaging, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact packaging, and the implementation of reuse targets. In addition, this document provides guidance on how to implement extended producer responsibility for packaging and establish obligations for deposit and refund systems.

The accompanying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) address various practical issues raised by stakeholders since the adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Rules (PPWR) last year. The committee will update frequently asked questions as needed. Although this guidance document and frequently asked questions help clarify the key provisions of the new packaging rules more clearly, they do not replace, supplement, or modify the provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Rules.

Basic information of regulations

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) officially came into effect on February 11, 2025. After an 18 month transition period, it will be fully applicable in all EU member states on August 12, 2026, replacing the previous packaging directive.

Main provisions

The new regulations apply to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other enterprises that sell packaging or packaged products in the EU market. Packaging must display standardized information such as material composition, disposal and recycling instructions, and in some cases, digital identifiers must also be attached for tracking and guiding consumers.

Phased implementation schedule

PFAS related content in PPWR guidelines

Three concentration limits:

Core supplement of the guide: step-by-step detection method

Due to the lack of a standardized testing method, the implementation guidelines provide a three-step compliance testing plan:

Step 1: Detect the total fluoride (TF) content. If the total fluoride is below 50 ppm, it is considered compliant and no further testing is required.

Step 2: If the total fluorine exceeds 50 ppm, use methods such as pyrolysis GC/MS to distinguish between organic and inorganic fluorine. If the organic fluorine content is less than 50 ppm, it is considered compliant.

Step 3: If the above two steps still cannot determine compliance, a total oxidation precursor (TOP) analysis is required to directly test whether it meets the concentration limits of 25 ppb (one compound) and 250 ppb (total PFAS).

Next steps

The guidance document of the committee will be translated into all official languages of the European Union before its formal adoption.

The committee will continue to monitor and promote the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Rules to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the new regulations.

Currently, multiple authorization bills and implementation rules are being formulated, including a unified registration and reporting format for extended producer responsibility, consumer waste classification labels, recycled material content in plastic packaging, and recyclability standards. The development of these bills is being closely coordinated with member states, stakeholders, and trading partners.

background

The Regulations on Packaging and Packaging Waste will come into effect on February 11, 2025. This regulation aims to address the urgent environmental challenges caused by packaging waste, unify the operating rules of enterprises within a single market, and create opportunities for enterprises engaged in recycling and sustainable packaging solutions. The regulation introduces multiple measures, such as mandatory recyclability by 2030, minimum recycled material content in plastic packaging, and measures to reduce excessive use of packaging. These measures will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and environmental costs in the packaging industry.

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