With the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), the requirements for retailers, producers and online retailers are becoming increasingly challenging. In the future, packaging will no longer be merely a logistical issue but a central compliance component. Anyone who fails to fully implement the new obligations must expect severe consequences. From 12 August 2026, new requirements will apply regarding registration, labelling, recyclability, supplier data and producer responsibility.
Penalties can run up to 200,000 euros
The PPWR itself does not specify penalty charges, meaning that all individual member states will regulate these on a national level. A corresponding draft in Germany currently provides for drastic sanctions: Per violation, there may be fines starting from 10,000 but going up to 200,000 euros. For many smaller retailers and producers in particular, a single mistake can therefore already have fatal financial consequences. The German Foundation Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) is responsible for cross-checking with the dual system, which should make it easy to identify registration violations or system participation obligations.
Warning notices and contractual penalties as additional risks
Beyond regulatory sanctions, there remains the potential for repercussions under competition law. As the LUCID packaging register is publicly accessible, competitors, consumer protection associations or specialist law firms can quickly identify violations. This can result in costly warning notices, in which retailers and producers are regularly required to sign a cease-and-desist declaration. Anyone who subsequently breaches these obligations risks incurring high contractual penalties. Charges from warning notices alone can easily amount to four figures.
PPWR turns packaging into a compliance risk
The new Packaging Regulation is fundamentally changing online retail. In future, packaging will be regarded as a regulated data set. Reliable packaging data is particularly crucial in this context.
Among other things, the following will be relevant:
- Material type and material combinations
- Packaging weight
- Supplier information
- Labelling requirements
- Participation in a recycling scheme
- Proof of recyclability
In particular, companies selling their own brand products, imported goods or complex supply chains are coming under increasing pressure here; packaging compliance is becoming a prerequisite for sales. Going forward, fulfilment service providers will also carry out more rigorous checks. Companies should therefore use the time until the PPWR comes into force as efficiently as possible to establish clear packaging data and streamlined processes. Delayed action can lead to operational and financial difficulties.
Would you like to find out more about the EU Packaging Regulation? Secure your place now for the EU Packaging Regulation Workshops.
From 28 May until the PPWR deadline on 12 August 2026, you can take part in trade-e-bility’s PPWR online workshop series. You will gain a concise monthly overview of the most important changes and their implementation processes.
With our kick-off event on 28 May, we will focus on Article 3 of the PPWR, looking in particular at the definitions, distinctions and responsibilities of ‘manufacturers’ and ‘producers’.
Find out more and register for the PPWR workshop series today!
Do you need urgent advice on the EU Packaging Regulation right away? Please feel free to contact the trade-e-bility advisory team on 040/750687-300 or sales@trade-e-bility.de. We are happy to make you a suitable offer.
