Packaging made or imported before the labelling deadlines may still be sold for three years after those requirements enter into force, so existing stock and pre-printed material do not have to be written off on the deadline.
Economic operators holding pre-deadline packaging stock are given a right, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 12(12), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: From the Art. 12 labelling deadlines (Art. 12(12)). 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 none, continuous. as of 2026-08-18
What changes
Everyone holding packaging stock or pre-printed film at the labelling deadlines. A sell-through window, not a permanent exemption.
The rule
packaging manufactured in the Union or imported before the Art. 12(1), (2) or (4) deadlines
Packaging made or imported before the labelling deadlines may still be sold for three years after those requirements enter into force, so existing stock and pre-printed material do not have to be written off on the deadline.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
Packaging as referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 that is manufactured in the Union or imported before the deadlines referred in those paragraphs and that does not comply with the criteria laid down in those paragraphs may be made available on the market until 3 years from the date of entry into force of the labelling requirements laid down in those paragraphs.
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