The European Parliament has voted to suspend the authorized representative requirement for EU-based small and micro-enterprises until 2035. The Council has yet to adopt its position, so the obligation still applies.
The European Commission has published a guide for small businesses on the PPWR. It sets out the obligations that apply today, how to identify the manufacturer, importer and producer roles, and the exemptions for micro-enterprises.
From 31 December 2026, products in contact with drinking water placed on the EU market need a European conformity certificate from a notified body, with a transition period for national certificates until 2032.
SMEunited has called on EU policymakers to suspend the PPWR’s requirement for SMEs to appoint authorized representatives in every Member State, warning of disproportionate costs and administrative burden for smaller businesses.
The SCoPAFF has approved binding maximum levels for MOAH in food across a wide range of categories, replacing the indicative levels from 2022. The limits are expected to enter into force in 2027.
A survey of 200 British manufacturers and suppliers found that 93 % have been affected or expect to be affected by the PPWR, with over half already making or having completed packaging changes to comply with EU requirements.
The European Commission has updated its Single-Use Plastics guidelines to add a new example on mixed-material closures: plastic caps used with aluminium foil lids must be tethered, while the foil seal is exempt under Article 6(2).
Italy has become the first EU Member State to exercise the PPWR’s Article 9(2)(b) flexibility, mandating compostability instead of recyclability for specific single-use plastic packaging in fresh produce and HoReCa.
The European Commission has missed the 12 August 2026 deadline to adopt the implementing act establishing harmonized labelling specifications for packaging under Article 12 of the PPWR. The act is now expected in Q4 2026.
The European Commission has launched three parallel calls for evidence to develop the secondary legislation defining how PPWR recycled content targets for plastic packaging are calculated, verified and enforced. The feedback period runs until 16 September 2026.
he European Commission has published the second edition of its PPWR Frequently Asked Questions document ahead of the 12 August 2026 application date, with new guidance on manufacturer definitions, PFAS compliance, enforcement approach and traceability requirements.
The German Federal Cabinet has approved a draft 2027 budget including a national plastics tax. Major industry associations argue the measure is designed to fill budget gaps rather than deliver environmental outcomes.