Mark packaging with the harmonised material-composition label, pictogram-based and understandable including for people with disabilities; mark compostable packaging as compostable, not home-compostable and not for disposal in nature.
Economic operators 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. 12(1), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: From 12 August 2028 or 24 months after the Art. 12(6) or 12(7) implementing acts, whichever is later (Art. 12(1)). 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 market surveillance authority, per packaging unit. as of 2026-08-18
What changes
A real change of addressee, not just of format: 94/62/EC's marking was for identification by industry, and this is a sorting instruction for the consumer. Transport packaging and packaging in a deposit and return system are excluded, e-commerce packaging is not.
Prior rule vs new rule
packaging placed on the market
Packaging had to indicate the nature of the packaging material used for identification and classification by industry, on the basis of Commission Decision 97/129/EC, marked clearly, visibly, legibly and durably on the packaging or the label.
packaging placed on the market
A harmonised, pictogram-based label aimed at CONSUMER SORTING, set by Commission implementing act, with digital marking for packaging containing substances of concern.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
packaging placed on the market shall be marked with a harmonised label containing information on its material composition in order to facilitate consumer sorting.
View source →