Packaging that meets Arts. 5 to 12 may be placed on the market anywhere in the Union: no Member State may block it, and no additional national sustainability or information requirement may be enforced against it. One compliance route replaces 27.
Economic operators placing compliant packaging on the market are given a right, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 4(2) and (3), 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
What changes
Every operator selling packaging across more than one Member State. Suspended for the Annex V point 2 and 3 formats until 1 January 2030 by Art. 70(4).
The rule
packaging compliant with Arts. 5 to 12
Packaging that meets Arts. 5 to 12 may be placed on the market anywhere in the Union: no Member State may block it, and no additional national sustainability or information requirement may be enforced against it. One compliance route replaces 27.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
Member States shall not prohibit, restrict or impede the placing on the market of packaging that complies with the sustainability, labelling and information requirements laid down in or pursuant to Articles 5 to 12.
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