Topic

Scope & who is covered

PPWR applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, whatever the material, and to all packaging waste. It is a regulation, not a directive, so it applies directly in every member state without national transposition. It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026, with individual requirements phased in later. Duties attach to the operator that first places packaging or a packaged product on the market, with lighter verification duties on importers and distributors down the chain.

What you must do

• Map every packaging item you place on the EU market, by material and by function.
• Decide your role for each item: producer, importer, distributor or final distributor.
• List the member states you place packaging on the market in — registration and deposit duties are national.

Dates that apply

• 11 February 2025Regulation enters into force

Source: Articles 1–3 and Article 71 (entry into force and application).