The PPWR applies across the EU since 12 August 2026, but most of its main provisions apply only from 2030 or later. Sources (2)European CommissionEuropean Commission — new EU packaging rules enter into application (11 August 2026)European CommissionEuropean Commission — PPWR SME guide Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025; EUR-Lex lists application from 12 August 2026 and a partial application date of 12 February 2029. 
EUR-LexSources (5)European CommissionEuropean Commission — new EU packaging rules enter into application (11 August 2026)European CommissionEuropean Commission — PPWR SME guideEUR-LexEUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2025/40, datesEuropean CommissionEuropean Commission — Packaging waste
LégifranceLégifrance — article L. 541-10-9-1 of the Environmental Code (full text)
What applies since 12 August 2026
- Food-contact packaging with PFAS above the limits can no longer be placed on the EU market. European Commission
- Manufacturers and importers draw up a declaration of conformity; for now it covers the substances of concern: lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium limits, and PFAS in food-contact packaging. European Commission
- Packaging must be traceable to its manufacturer and its declaration (type, batch or serial number and contact details), which can be given in accompanying documents for packaging already produced. European Commission
- Producers that sell directly to end users in another member state appoint an authorised representative for EPR there. European Commission
What comes later
The Commission lists rules that apply progressively over the coming years: recyclability, minimum recycled content in plastic packaging, packaging minimisation, labelling, bans on some single-use plastic packaging, reuse targets, and refill and reuse duties for take-away. European Commission Plastic packaging must contain recycled content with targets rising for 2030 and 2040, and all packaging must be recyclable by 2030. European Commission Many of these rules still need implementing acts or guidelines that the Commission is preparing. European Commission
Lighter rules for small businesses
- Micro-enterprises (under 10 staff and €2 million turnover) are exempt, under conditions, from manufacturer duties when their packaging supplier is in the EU, and from reuse targets and the take-away reuse offer. European Commission
- Businesses placing less than 1,000 kg of packaging a year get more proportionate EPR reporting. European Commission
How it sits next to French EPR
The PPWR does not replace French EPR: France keeps its eco-organismes, IDUs and its own representative rule for producers not established in France, in force since 10 July 2026. Légifrance See PPWR and the authorised representative.
Price
Our fee. Standard is €190 a year per eligible stream, Plus is €990 a year for up to three streams in one mandate, with a median saving of €1,071 a year in eco-contributions across our published clothing, footwear, electronics and furniture examples. Setup is €0, and eco-contributions are paid at the eco-organisme's published rate with 0% markup. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to relabel packaging already produced?
No. The Commission says packaging already produced does not need to be repacked or destroyed; traceability details can go in accompanying documents.
Is the PPWR the same as French EPR?
No. French EPR (eco-organismes, IDUs, eco-contributions) continues; the PPWR adds EU-wide product and EPR rules on top. Sources (2)EUR-LexEUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR)
ADEMEADEME — which producers the EPR schemes cover
Razvan Toma is the founder of EPR France Rep, a France-established authorised representative (mandataire) for producers with no French establishment. He has worked in waste management and recycling since 2009, running waste-separation programmes inside large B2B organisations in France for clients including Chanel, Microsoft, Decathlon, Pirelli, IKEA, Vinci, Capgemini and E.Leclerc.
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