Topic

Conformity, documentation & declarations

Each packaging item needs technical documentation, following Annex VII, showing it meets the sustainability requirements, plus an EU declaration of conformity drawn up before it goes on the market. Manufacturers run the conformity assessment; importers must verify the assessment was done and that documentation and marking exist; distributors must check marking and accompanying documents before selling. Any operator that believes packaging is non-compliant must take corrective action and inform the authorities. These duties apply from 12 August 2026.

What you must do

• Build a technical file per packaging item and keep it for the required period.
• Issue and hold EU declarations of conformity.
• Add compliance checks to goods-in and supplier onboarding.

Dates that apply

• 12 August 2026Main body of rules starts to apply

Source: Articles 15–20 (operator obligations) and Articles 38–39; Annex VII.