Label reusable packaging as reusable, carry a QR code or open digital data carrier giving re-use system and collection-point information and enabling trip and rotation counting, and distinguish reusable from single-use packaging at the point of sale.
Economic operators placing reusable 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(2), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: From 12 February 2029 or 30 months after the Art. 12(6) implementing act, whichever is later (Art. 12(2)). 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
Anyone using reusable packaging. Genuinely new: 94/62/EC had no reusability labelling at all. Art. 12(3) exempts open-loop systems with no system operator under Annex VI.
The rule
reusable packaging placed on the market
Label reusable packaging as reusable, carry a QR code or open digital data carrier giving re-use system and collection-point information and enabling trip and rotation counting, and distinguish reusable from single-use packaging at the point of sale.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
Reusable packaging placed on the market from 12 February 2029 or 30 months from the date of entry into force of the implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6, whichever is the latest, shall bear a label informing users that the packaging is reusable.
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