Ensure harmonised labels enabling separate collection of each material fraction are affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly on all packaging-waste receptacles.

Member States must comply, and this is law in force.

Why it matters

This is law in force, not a proposal.

It is Art. 13(1), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
The act gives its timing as: From 12 August 2028 or 30 months after the Art. 13(2) implementing acts, whichever is later (Art. 13(1)). as of 2026-08-18
It names one industry by name: Waste. as of 2026-08-18
Compliance is checked by none, continuous. as of 2026-08-18

Addressee Member StatesAct Regulation (EU) 2025/40, base actArticle Art. 13(1)Class Governments

What changes

All 27 Member States, and through Art. 45(2)(a) the cost falls on producers via EPR fees. Receptacles under a deposit and return system are excluded.

The rule

New — no predecessor

Trigger

waste receptacles for the collection of packaging waste

Obligation

Ensure harmonised labels enabling separate collection of each material fraction are affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly on all packaging-waste receptacles.

Who is affected

Addressee

Member States

Class

Governments

Sectors

Names Waste and landfill · Reaches Glass and ceramics, Aluminium and metals, Steel, Paper and board, Wood and wood products, Plastics converting

Applies

From 12 August 2028 or 30 months after the Art. 13(2) implementing acts, whichever is later (Art. 13(1))

Burden drivers

D4 — 1 of 7 marks fire on this provision.

Binds a Member State, not a company by size.

Source text

Verbatim

Member States shall ensure that harmonised labels that enable the separate collection of each material specific fraction of packaging waste that is intended to be discarded in separate receptacles are affixed, printed or engraved visibly, legibly and indelibly on all waste receptacles for collection of packaging waste.

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