Tracker
Packaging Regulation in the European Union
Every packaging rule in the European Union that we have sourced so far: EPR, taxes, bans, recycled-content and reuse targets, labelling and deposit return, with dates, rates and the official text.
By Thomas Müller
Latest source consulted 12 October 2026
Status: Live 79 rules sourced from official texts; 0 re-checked by a second analyst so far. How this tracker works
In short
As of 12 October 2026, Strategic Packaging Insights tracks 18 packaging rules in the European Union: 6 in force and 9 adopted but not yet applying. We have not yet recorded a packaging EPR scheme in force in the European Union. Next deadline: PPWR: harmonised material-composition sorting label on 12 August 2028.
Key facts
Packaging rules in the European Union at a glance
- EU plastic own resource on non-recycled plastic packaging waste: 0.8 EUR/kg (European Union).
- From 12 August 2028: PPWR: harmonised material-composition sorting label.
- From 1 January 2029: PPWR: 90% separate collection of beverage containers (deposit systems).
- From 1 January 2030: PPWR: all packaging recyclable by 2030.
- Latest change: Environmental Omnibus: suspension of PPWR authorised-representative obligation (European Commission, 10 December 2025).
- By type: 4 Design rule, 3 Recycled content, 2 Tax or levy, 2 Ban and 2 Other.
Upcoming deadlines in the European Union
| Applies from | Rule | Type | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Aug 2028 | PPWR: harmonised material-composition sorting label | Labelling | All packaging |
| 1 Jan 2029 | PPWR: 90% separate collection of beverage containers (deposit systems) | Deposit return | Plastic, Metal |
| 1 Jan 2030 | PPWR: all packaging recyclable by 2030 | Design rule | All packaging |
| 1 Jan 2030 | PPWR: maximum 50% empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging | Design rule | All packaging |
| 1 Jan 2030 | PPWR: restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging formats | Ban | Single-use plastic |
| 1 Jan 2030 | PPWR: 2030 reuse targets for transport, sales and grouped packaging | Reuse target | All packaging |
| 1 Jan 2030 | PPWR: 2030 minimum recycled content in plastic packaging | Recycled content | Plastic |
| 1 Jan 2040 | PPWR: 2040 minimum recycled content in plastic packaging | Recycled content | Plastic |
In force now in the European Union
Tax or levy (1)
EU plastic own resource on non-recycled plastic packaging waste
SPI summary Member States pay a contribution to the EU budget of EUR 0.80 per kg of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled, with lump-sum reductions for some countries.
0.8 EUR/kg Paid by Member States to the EU budget, not directly by companies.
From the source “The uniform call rate shall be EUR 0,80 per kilogram.”
Materials: Plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Ban (1)
SUP Directive: ban on single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws and EPS containers
SPI summary Since 3 July 2021 Member States must ban placing on the market single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, balloon sticks, cotton buds, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers and cups, and oxo-degradable plastic products.
From the source “However, the Member States shall apply the measures necessary to comply with: Article 5 from 3 July 2021”
Materials: Single-use plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Recycled content (1)
SUP Directive: recycled content in plastic beverage bottles
SPI summary PET beverage bottles must contain at least 25% recycled plastic from 2025, and all single-use plastic beverage bottles at least 30% from 2030, calculated as a national average.
25% 25% for PET bottles from 2025; 30% for all beverage bottles from 2030 (Member State average).
From the source “from 2030, beverage bottles listed in Part F of the Annex contain at least 30 % recycled plastic, calculated as an average”
Materials: Plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Design rule (2)
PPWR: PFAS limits in food-contact packaging
SPI summary From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging may not be placed on the EU market if it contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at or above the limit values set in the PPWR.
From the source “must not be placed on the market if it contains a concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”
Materials: Plastic, Paper and board, All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
SUP Directive: tethered caps on plastic beverage containers
SPI summary Since 3 July 2024, single-use beverage containers up to three litres with plastic caps or lids may only be placed on the market if the caps and lids remain attached during intended use.
From the source “may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the containers”
Materials: Single-use plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Other (1)
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies
SPI summary Regulation (EU) 2025/40 sets EU-wide rules on packaging sustainability, labelling, EPR and waste. It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026, replacing Directive 94/62/EC.
From the source “ENTRY INTO FORCE: 11.2.2025. APPLICATION: from 12.8.2026.”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Adopted and proposed
Rules that are not yet applying. The status changes when a rule takes effect or is withdrawn.
Environmental Omnibus: suspension of PPWR authorised-representative obligation
SPI summary Commission proposal COM(2025) 982 would suspend the PPWR obligation for producers to appoint an authorised representative when selling directly to consumers in other Member States. Parliament's plenary vote was scheduled for 19 October 2026.
From the source “to suspend the obligation for producers to appoint an authorised representative”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Proposed increase of EU plastic own resource to EUR 1/kg from 2028
SPI summary Commission proposal COM(2025) 574 for the 2028-2034 own resources system would raise the call rate on non-recycled plastic packaging waste from EUR 0.80/kg to EUR 1/kg in 2028, then index it to inflation.
1 EUR/kg Proposed rate from 2028, indexed to inflation; requires unanimous Council decision.
From the source “would increase from EUR 0.8/kg to EUR 1/kg in 2028 and would then be indexed to inflation”
Materials: Plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: packaging waste reduction targets per capita
SPI summary Each Member State must reduce packaging waste per capita compared with 2018 by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040.
5% 5% by 2030; 10% by 2035; 15% by 2040, versus 2018 per-capita levels.
From the source “(a) by 5% by 2030; (b) by 10% by 2035; (c) 15% by 2040”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: all packaging recyclable by 2030
SPI summary Packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030, assessed under design-for-recycling criteria, with limited exemptions.
From the source “recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: maximum 50% empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging
SPI summary From 2030, economic operators filling grouped, transport or e-commerce packaging must keep the empty space ratio at or below 50%.
50% Maximum empty space ratio.
From the source “maximum empty space ratio, expressed as a percentage, does not exceed 50%”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging formats
SPI summary From 1 January 2030 the PPWR bans specified single-use plastic packaging formats, such as plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg and packaging for food and drinks consumed on site in cafes and restaurants.
From the source “from 1 January 2030, specific types of single-use plastic packaging will be banned”
Materials: Single-use plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: 90% separate collection of beverage containers (deposit systems)
SPI summary By 1 January 2029 Member States must ensure separate collection of at least 90% by weight of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers up to three litres, in principle via deposit return systems.
90% Annual separate collection rate by weight, single-use plastic bottles and metal cans up to 3 litres.
From the source “By 1 January 2029 at the latest, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the separate collection of at least 90%, per year, by weight of single-use metal and plastic beverage packaging”
Materials: Plastic, Metal
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: 2030 reuse targets for transport, sales and grouped packaging
SPI summary The PPWR sets binding 2030 reuse targets: 40% for transport and sales packaging and 10% for grouped packaging, with indicative 2040 targets.
40% 40% for transport and sales packaging; 10% for grouped packaging.
From the source “binding targets of 40% for transport and sales packaging and 10% for grouped packaging”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: 2040 minimum recycled content in plastic packaging
SPI summary Recycled-content targets for plastic packaging rise in 2040, up to 65% for single-use plastic beverage bottles.
65% 65% figure is for single-use plastic beverage bottles; other categories differ.
From the source “single-use plastic beverage bottles by 2030 and up to 65% by 2040”
Materials: Plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: 2030 minimum recycled content in plastic packaging
SPI summary Plastic packaging must contain minimum shares of post-consumer recycled plastic from 2030, including 30% for single-use plastic beverage bottles. Other categories have their own percentages.
30% 30% figure is for single-use plastic beverage bottles. Start is 1 Jan 2030 or 3 years after the implementing act on calculation, whichever is later.
From the source “single-use plastic beverage bottles by 2030 and up to 65% by 2040”
Materials: Plastic
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
PPWR: harmonised material-composition sorting label
SPI summary Packaging placed on the EU market must carry a harmonised label showing its material composition to help consumers sort waste.
From the source “must bear a harmonised label containing information on its material composition”
Materials: All packaging
Source consulted 12 Oct 2026 · History (1)
- Added
Timeline of packaging rules in the European Union
| Adopted | Rule | Type | Status | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Dec 2025 | Environmental Omnibus: suspension of PPWR authorised-representative obligation | EPR | Proposed | — |
| 16 Jul 2025 | Proposed increase of EU plastic own resource to EUR 1/kg from 2028 | Tax or levy | Proposed | — |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: packaging waste reduction targets per capita | Plan or strategy | Adopted, not yet applying | — |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: all packaging recyclable by 2030 | Design rule | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2030 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: maximum 50% empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging | Design rule | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2030 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging formats | Ban | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2030 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: 90% separate collection of beverage containers (deposit systems) | Deposit return | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2029 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: 2030 reuse targets for transport, sales and grouped packaging | Reuse target | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2030 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: 2040 minimum recycled content in plastic packaging | Recycled content | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2040 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: 2030 minimum recycled content in plastic packaging | Recycled content | Adopted, not yet applying | 1 Jan 2030 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: harmonised material-composition sorting label | Labelling | Adopted, not yet applying | 12 Aug 2028 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | PPWR: PFAS limits in food-contact packaging | Design rule | In force | 12 Aug 2026 |
| 19 Dec 2024 | EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies | Other | In force | 12 Aug 2026 |
| 14 Dec 2020 | EU plastic own resource on non-recycled plastic packaging waste | Tax or levy | In force | 1 Jan 2021 |
| 5 Jun 2019 | SUP Directive: recycled content in plastic beverage bottles | Recycled content | In force | 1 Jan 2025 |
| 5 Jun 2019 | SUP Directive: tethered caps on plastic beverage containers | Design rule | In force | 3 Jul 2024 |
| 5 Jun 2019 | SUP Directive: ban on single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws and EPS containers | Ban | In force | 3 Jul 2021 |
| 20 Dec 1994 | Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC repealed | Other | Expired | — |
How the European Union compares
| Jurisdiction | Rules | In force | EPR | Taxes | Bans | Next deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Austria | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Brazil | 1 | 1 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
| Canada | 6 | 6 | Yes | 0 | 2 | — |
| Chile | 1 | 1 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
| China | 3 | 3 | — | 0 | 1 | — |
| Colombia | 2 | 2 | Yes | 0 | 1 | — |
| European Union | 18 | 6 | — | 1 | 1 | 12 Aug 2028 |
| France | 3 | 3 | — | 0 | 1 | — |
| Germany | 2 | 2 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
| India | 4 | 4 | Yes | 0 | 1 | — |
| Indonesia | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Ireland | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Japan | 2 | 2 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
| Kenya | 2 | 2 | Yes | 0 | 1 | — |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | — | 0 | 1 | — |
| Philippines | 1 | 1 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
| Poland | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Portugal | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
| Spain | 2 | 2 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
| United Arab Emirates | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 1 | — |
| United Kingdom | 7 | 5 | Yes | 1 | 2 | 1 Oct 2027 |
| United States | 13 | 9 | Yes | 0 | 3 | — |
| Vietnam | 1 | 1 | Yes | 0 | 0 | — |
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About this tracker
- Purpose
- To show packaging teams which rules on packaging and packaging waste apply where, from when, and at what rate, with the official text one click away.
- Coverage
- 79 rules in 25 jurisdictions: extended producer responsibility, packaging taxes, bans, recycled-content and reuse targets, labelling, deposit return, design and reporting rules. Coverage is growing and is not complete for any jurisdiction.
- Data sources
- Official journals and gazettes, legislatures, ministries, regulators and the bodies that run each scheme. Each rule names its source, links to it and quotes it.
- Methodology
- An analyst finds the rule in its source, records the facts (authority, dates, rate, materials) and copies a short quote. The SPI summary and SPI note are our reading of the source and are labelled. A second analyst can then re-check the rule against the source; it is then marked Verified. Any later change to the facts sends it back to Sourced and is logged in its history.
- Limitations
- Not legal advice. 0 of 79 rules have had a second check so far. Rates and dates can change after the date a source was consulted, and secondary legislation, guidance and local rules may not be listed. Always rely on the official text.
- Access
- Free to read and to download as CSV, with weekly change alerts by e-mail. For a mapping of the rules to your own products and markets, request a briefing.
- Corrections
- Found an error or a missing rule? Write to sales@strategicpackaginginsights.com with the rule ID and the source. Corrections are logged in the rule history.
Questions
Does the European Union have packaging EPR?
We have not yet recorded a packaging EPR scheme in force in the European Union as of 12 October 2026. Adopted and proposed measures, if any, are listed below.
Is there a packaging tax in the European Union?
Yes: EU plastic own resource on non-recycled plastic packaging waste (0.8 EUR/kg).
Which packaging items are banned in the European Union?
Bans in force: SUP Directive: ban on single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws and EPS containers.
What packaging rules are coming in the European Union?
PPWR: harmonised material-composition sorting label (12 August 2028), PPWR: 90% separate collection of beverage containers (deposit systems) (1 January 2029), PPWR: all packaging recyclable by 2030 (1 January 2030), PPWR: maximum 50% empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging (1 January 2030) and PPWR: restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging formats (1 January 2030).
What are the rows in this tracker based on?
Each rule links to the source it was taken from, usually the legal text in an official journal or gazette or the page of the ministry, regulator or agency that runs it, with a short quote from that source. No rule has been re-checked by a second analyst yet, so every rule is marked Sourced. Rules that pass a second check will be marked Verified. Always confirm against the linked text before relying on a rule.
What is the difference between the source quote and the SPI summary?
The quote is copied from the official source. The SPI summary and any SPI note are our own reading of it, written in plain language, and are labelled as such.
What do the statuses mean?
Enacted rules are law: in force (applies now), adopted (passed, but obligations start later), expired or withdrawn. Proposed rules are formal proposals or drafts that are not yet law.
Is this legal advice?
No. The tracker summarises official texts so you can see what applies and when. Always check the linked legal text, or ask us for a compliance briefing for your products and markets.
How current is a row, and what changed?
Each rule shows the date its source was consulted and a history of every change made to it since it was added. New and changed rules are added as we find them; there is no fixed review cycle yet.
Which rules apply to your packs?
Tell us your products, materials and markets. An analyst maps the obligations, fees and deadlines that apply, with every source.