New EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR): Does it apply to your business?

From 12 August 2026, the European Union begins applying the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Who is NOT affected?

If you are a private individual sending:

• gifts to family or friends;
• personal belongings;
• documents;

nothing changes for you.

This regulation is primarily intended for businesses that sell goods.

Who should pay attention?

If you:

• sell products online;
• export goods to other EU countries;
• ship products to customers in Germany, France, Italy or other EU Member States;
• are a sole trader, self-employed or a company selling your own products;

we recommend familiarising yourself with the new requirements.

It does not matter whether your business is large or small – what matters is that you place packaged goods on the EU market.

What should businesses check?

There is no need to replace all your packaging or stop shipping your products.

However, there are several things you should review now.

1. Check the packaging you use

If you purchase packaging from a supplier, ask whether technical documentation and a Declaration of Conformity are available, if required.

2. Check whether EPR registration is required

If you sell products to private consumers in other EU countries, your business may need to register with the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in those countries.

Please note that the requirements may vary from one country to another.

3. Stay informed

Not all PPWR requirements apply immediately.

Many obligations will be introduced gradually over the coming years, giving businesses time to prepare.

What could happen if the requirements are not met?

If your business is required to comply but fails to do so, the consequences may vary depending on the country.

For example:

• additional documentation may be requested;
• restrictions on selling products in certain countries may apply;
• in some cases, administrative penalties may be imposed.

That is why it is important to understand which requirements apply to your business.

How can Sūti Gudri help?

We help businesses organise international shipments and navigate export requirements.

If you are unsure whether the new rules apply to your business, feel free to contact us. We will help you understand what to pay attention to and how to prepare for international shipments.

Important: This article provides general information about the PPWR. The specific obligations may vary depending on your business activities, product category and the countries where your products are sold.