Place packaging on the market only if it complies with this Regulation.

Any economic operator placing packaging on the market must comply, and this is law in force.

Why it matters

This is law in force, not a proposal.

It is Art. 4(1), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
The act gives its timing as: From 12 August 2026 (Art. 71). as of 2026-08-18
It names 7 industries by name: Plastics converting, Paper and board, Glass, Aluminium, Wood, Food and drink and Retail. as of 2026-08-18
Compliance is checked by self-assessment, continuous. as of 2026-08-18

Addressee Any economic operator placing packaging on the marketAct Regulation (EU) 2025/40, base actArticle Art. 4(1)Class Businesses

What changes

Every operator placing packaging on the EU market, whatever the material. 94/62/EC Art. 9(1) had the same gate against its Annex II essential requirements; what changes is the content of the requirements, carried by the Art. 5-12 rows.

The rule

New — no predecessor

Trigger

placing packaging on the market

Obligation

Place packaging on the market only if it complies with this Regulation.

Who is affected

Addressee

Any economic operator placing packaging on the market

Class

Businesses

Sectors

Names Plastics converting, Paper and board, Glass and ceramics, Aluminium and metals, Wood and wood products, Food, drink and tobacco, Retail and distribution · Reaches Waste and landfill

Applies

From 12 August 2026 (Art. 71)

Burden drivers

D7 — 1 of 7 marks fire on this provision.

No size threshold: the duty attaches to the packaging, not to the operator's size.

Source text

Verbatim

Packaging shall only be placed on the market if it complies with this Regulation.

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