A New Era of Packaging Compliance for the EU Market
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) officially entered into force on February 11, 2025, introducing a new framework for packaging sustainability and compliance requirements in the European Union.
From August 12, 2026, key PPWR requirements will become applicable, creating a new compliance standard for companies placing packaged products on the EU market.
For exporters, importers, and brand owners supplying products to Europe, packaging compliance is no longer only a packaging issue — it has become an important part of supply chain management and market access.
Who Needs to Consider PPWR Requirements?
PPWR applies regardless of where products or packaging are manufactured.
Whether packaging materials are produced in China, Southeast Asia, America, or other regions, products placed on the EU market must comply with the applicable requirements.
The regulation covers a wide range of packaging formats, including:
● Retail packaging
● E-commerce packaging materials
● Transport packaging
● Plastic bottles
● Metal containers
● Paper cartons
● Flexible packaging and composite materials
It applies across industries, including:
● Food and beverages
● Dietary supplements
● Cosmetics
● Consumer goods
● Medical products
● E-commerce products
Different sales channels are also covered, including traditional distribution, online marketplaces, independent websites, and fulfillment warehouse models.
Important PPWR Timeline
February 11, 2025
PPWR officially entered into force and established the legal framework.
August 12, 2026
Key compliance requirements begin applying, including:
● Heavy metal restrictions
● PFAS requirements for food-contact packaging
● Packaging recyclability requirements
● Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations
● Compliance documentation requirements
From 2030
Packaging placed on the EU market will need to meet stricter recyclability targets, with increasing requirements for recycled content and packaging design.
From 2038
Only packaging with higher recyclability performance will be permitted, further restricting low-recyclability packaging solutions.
Key Compliance Requirements from August 12, 2026
1. Heavy Metal Restrictions
The total concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) in packaging materials must not exceed 100 mg/kg.
2. PFAS Requirements for Food Contact Packaging
For food-contact packaging, PPWR introduces restrictions on PFAS substances, including:
● Individual PFAS substances: below 25 ppb
● Total targeted PFAS substances: below 250 ppb
● Total PFAS substances: below 50 ppm
Where total fluorine exceeds the applicable threshold, additional information regarding PFAS or non-PFAS fluorine content may be required.
3. Packaging Recyclability
From August 12, 2026, packaging placed on the EU market must meet recyclability requirements.
Companies should evaluate packaging structures in advance and consider material selection, design optimization, and recyclability performance.
4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Packaging placed on the EU market must comply with local EPR obligations in each sales country.
Non-EU companies may also need to work with authorized representatives depending on applicable national requirements.
Recommended Preparation Steps for Exporters
To prepare for PPWR compliance, companies should consider:
1. Establish Packaging Material Records
Create a complete packaging material inventory, including:
● Packaging type
● Material composition
● Weight
● Supplier information
● Product application
2. Conduct Material Screening
Evaluate key substances, including:
● Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr VI)
● PFAS for applicable food-contact packaging
3. Prepare Technical Documentation
Maintain supporting documents such as:
● Material specifications
● Test reports
● Supplier declarations
● Compliance statements
4. Strengthen Supply Chain Traceability
A transparent and traceable supply chain will become increasingly important for future EU market access.
Swiftbond’s Support for European Partners
As a professional dietary supplement contract manufacturer, Shandong Swiftbond Biotechnology Co., Ltd. understands the increasing compliance requirements faced by European brands and importers.
Through cooperation with qualified raw material suppliers and packaging partners, Swiftbond continuously improves its documentation system and supply chain traceability to support customers’ regulatory preparation.
Many of our European customers have already completed their PPWR compliance documentation with our support, including packaging specifications, declarations, and supporting test reports. Through our established supply chain management and traceability system, Swiftbond is committed to providing reliable compliance support for European market requirements.
For products supplied by Swiftbond, we are committed to providing reliable quality, transparent documentation, and continuous support to help our partners navigate the evolving European regulatory environment.
If you require support regarding product documentation, packaging compliance, or new product development, please feel free to contact us.
Together, we can build a more reliable and compliant supply chain for the European market.