PPWR Effective August 12, 2026: What Does This Mean for Importers?

Starting August 12, 2026, the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation—PPWR for short—will generally apply to packaging on the EU market. For importers, this means they will need to be better able to demonstrate that product, outer, shipping, and transport packaging complies with European requirements for composition, recyclability, labeling, and waste responsibility. Not all requirements will take effect at the same time, but it is important to start preparing now.

What will change with the PPWR?

The PPWR replaces the existing European Packaging Directive with a single, directly applicable regulation. This means that the basic rules will become more uniform across all EU countries. The regulation applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of material or origin.

The core of the PPWR is clear: less unnecessary packaging, more easily recyclable packaging, increased reuse where appropriate, and greater transparency regarding material use. For international supply chains, this affects not only manufacturers but also importers, distributors, e-commerce companies, and logistics service providers.

Important to know: August 12, 2026, is the general effective date. Some provisions, such as specific labeling, reuse, or recycled-content requirements, have phased implementation dates. The practical impact therefore varies by product group, packaging type, and role in the supply chain.

Why is this relevant to importers?

Importers bring goods from outside the EU onto the European market. As a result, they may in practice be held responsible for packaging chosen by suppliers in, for example, China, Vietnam, India, or other manufacturing countries.

This requires greater control over packaging information—such as material types, the presence of substances of concern, recyclability, documentation, and registration within extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems. EPR means that companies that place packaging on the market are jointly responsible for collection, processing, and recycling.

It is therefore important for importers to ask suppliers questions in a timely manner. What materials are used? Is documentation available? Is the packaging necessary for protection during transport, or is it excessive? And does the packaging meet the requirements in the countries where the goods will ultimately be sold?

Impact on Logistics and Supply Chains

The PPWR also affects logistics processes. Packaging is not only a sustainability issue but also an operational aspect of transportation. A box, pallet wrap, crate, or inner packaging must protect goods from damage, moisture, pressure, and delays during transit.

In practice, this creates a balancing act. Less packaging is desirable, but too little or unsuitable packaging can lead to damage during transport, returns, and extra waste. For ocean freight, air freight, and multimodal transport, the appropriate packaging may vary by mode of transport.

Logistics managers would do well to make packaging a part of their supplier onboarding, quality control, and shipping instructions. Especially when importing from Asia, it is wise to establish packaging specifications in advance so that suppliers are not confronted with questions or corrections only upon arrival in Europe.

What can you start preparing now?

Start by taking stock of the packaging in your supply chain. Don’t just look at consumer packaging, but also at outer packaging, shipping packaging, pallets, plastic film, straps, and packing material.

Ask suppliers for material information and any available compliance documentation. Also, determine who within the supply chain is responsible for registration, reporting, and any EPR obligations. For complex product flows, this can vary by country, customer agreement, or Incoterm.

The PPWR makes packaging compliance an integral part of international logistics. For importers, the biggest challenge lies in gaining insight: knowing what types of packaging are used, which rules apply to them, and who is responsible for what. Those who organize this in a timely manner reduce the risk of delays, additional costs, and disputes within the supply chain.

Berkman Forwarding supports clients by making logistics processes transparent and by collaborating on documentation, supplier coordination, and practical transportation choices. This ensures that packaging compliance remains not just a separate legal issue, but a manageable part of your import process.

Do you need help gaining insight into and optimizing your logistics chain(s)? Feel free to contact one of our specialists. We actively work with you to find solutions that address your specific logistics challenges. Our team has years of experience across various modes of transport, ensuring we always provide you with expert and reliable advice.