Flower pots used in horticultural production will no longer be considered sales packaging in future. The licence fees for participation in a dual system will no longer apply.
For secondary packaging, transport packaging and packaging for e-commerce, the proportion of empty space may not exceed 50%. Producers must use lighter packaging with less volume.
In particular, the draft provides for stricter rules on retail returns. Retailers must provide information about return options at the point of sale. Sanctions are envisaged in the event of non-compliance.
For sellers, a maximum empty space percentage of 50% is set for outer packaging, transport packaging and packaging for e-commerce. Producers and importers are obliged to ensure that the weight and volume of the packaging is minimised.
Sellers should check whether the producers of their products are properly registered with the EAR Foundation. A lack of registration constitutes an infringement of competition rules.
Italy rejects bans on single-use packaging (Article 22) and the reusable packaging targets for various sectors and packaging formats (Article 26) in the EU Packaging Regulation and has voted against the negotiating mandate for the trialogue.
The first requirements of the new EU Battery Regulation have been gradually coming into force since 18 February 2024. In principle, the new obligations apply immediately in all member states without further adaptation. trade-e-bility offers customised training if required.
The Federal Ministry for the Environment is planning to publish the drafts for the amendments to the Electrical und Electronic Equipment Act and the Batteries Act in the first quarter of 2024.