Make refill stations comply with Annex VI Part C and with other Union requirements for selling through refill, and do not give away free packaging or containers at refill stations unless they meet Annex VI or sit in a deposit and return system.

Economic operators offering refill must comply, and this is law in force.

Why it matters

This is law in force, not a proposal.

It is Art. 28(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 2 industries by name: Retail and Hotels and restaurants. as of 2026-08-18
Compliance is checked by market surveillance authority, continuous. as of 2026-08-18

Addressee Economic operators offering refillAct Regulation (EU) 2025/40, base actArticle Art. 28(2) and (3)Class Businesses

What changes

Retail and HORECA refill operators. Art. 28(3) closes the loophole of handing out free single-use containers at the refill point.

The rule

New — no predecessor

Trigger

operating a refill station

Obligation

Make refill stations comply with Annex VI Part C and with other Union requirements for selling through refill, and do not give away free packaging or containers at refill stations unless they meet Annex VI or sit in a deposit and return system.

Who is affected

Addressee

Economic operators offering refill

Class

Businesses

Sectors

Names Retail and distribution, Hotels, restaurants and catering · Reaches Food, drink and tobacco, Waste and landfill

Applies

From 12 August 2026 (Art. 71)

Burden drivers

D4 — 1 of 7 marks fire on this provision.

No size threshold.

Source text

Verbatim

Economic operators who offer the possibility to purchase products through refill shall ensure that refill stations comply with the requirements laid down in Part C of Annex VI

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