The German Federal Government Commissioner for SMEs, Gitta Connemann of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), may continue serving as Federal Chair of the German SME and Business Union. Under the law governing the legal status of parliamentary state secretaries, there is no conflict between her public office and her role within the organisation. The…

With the PPWR coming into effect on 12 August 2026, the definition of a producer and the scope of Extended Producer Responsibility will change. Retailers will become responsible for the packaging of their own brand products and imported goods.

Beginning in August 2026, the new EU Packaging Regulation may carry significant risks for retailers and producers. Non-compliance, such as failing to register, submitting incomplete packaging data, or violating system participation requirements, may result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 euros per infraction. Online retailers selling their own brand…

The container has arrived, and the goods are actually ready for sale – and yet, customs is missing some piece of information, the labelling is incorrect or the documentation is incomplete. The result: delays, rework, additional costs. In the worst case, your goods are held up. What is the best way to fix that problem permanently?

Small-scale producers and instrument makers are currently under scrutiny by the German Federal Environment Agency. Producers of electric musical instruments, such as guitars, may face fines reaching up to 100,000 euros. A current trend in practice shows why small suppliers in particular must now be especially vigilant. Find out now what part the upcoming…

With the impending enactment of the proposed WEEE amendment, retailers and producers are likely to encounter much tougher collection targets and expanded take-back obligations. Additionally, new proposals also address product responsibility and establish guidelines for managing raw materials.

Collection duties, higher pay rates, and ambitious collection goals – are unlimited charges becoming a risk? The German Federal Ministry for the Environment recently published a paper containing key aspects of producer responsibility for textiles. VERE identifies critical issues and advocates for fair competition with clear demands for lower costs and less…

The EU is planning new emergency rules for electrical equipment designed to enable faster market entry in the event of a crisis – including a time-limited presumption of conformity. However, this supposed ‘relaxation’ only applies where harmonised standards are lacking and does not alter the fundamental product compliance obligation for producers and…

The industry association Flexible Packaging Europe firmly opposes any efforts to revisit or postpone the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The Packaging Regulation is set to apply in all EU countries from 12 August 2026.

Under the EU Battery Regulation effective 18 August 2025, non-French battery producers are required to appoint an Authorised Representative to market batteries in France, as mere producer registration is no longer sufficient.

Modern AI tools appear to offer quick solutions to complex compliance issues such as labelling, standards research or marketability. But herein lies the risk: who takes on the responsibility for checking results, and who is liable if mistakes happen? After all, retailers and producers are required to operate efficiently and, most importantly, ensure their…

Denmark is tightening the screws: retailers and producers of food contact materials are the focus of rigorous digital inspections. Providing all documentation ‘just in time’, disclosing complete supply chains and being ready to recall products at any moment – those who are not prepared now risk more than just complaints. How great is the pressure really, and…

Correctly distinguishing between B2C and B2B devices under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) is crucial for meeting registration obligations and avoiding regulatory risks. Discover how to accurately categorise your WEEE/ElektroG registration, prevent errors, and safeguard your business against expensive repercussions.

From 28 May up until the PPWR deadline on 12 August 2026, you can take part in our PPWR Online Workshop Series – hosted by trade-e-bility. Across up to four compact monthly sessions, you will receive a clearly structured overview of the most important changes and how to implement them. The kick-off session on 28 May focuses on clarifying roles, we will…

Child safety is a key issue under both the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) (EU) 2023/988 and the Toy Safety Directive. What are some differences and similarities? In detail: How do you ensure your products are safe for children? At what point does a product even become a toy? The Compliance Talk by trade-e-bility practically demonstrates how to…

In France, only companies that put household packaging on the market are obliged to register as packaging producers. Companies placing professional packaging on the market have not been obliged to register until this year.

The European Commission is continuing to drive forward the implementation of the PPWR and has published a comprehensive guidance document on the interpretation of the new requirements. In addition, a dynamically updated ‘living document’ containing frequently asked questions (FAQs) is planned, which is intended to provide companies and authorities with…

In parallel with the rise in reports, regulatory activity has also increased significantly: in 2025, a total of 5,794 measures were taken, representing a 35 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This shows that authorities are responding more quickly now, and in a more coordinated manner and more consistently.

The European Union's updated ecodesign regulations are significantly altering the operational standards within the textile industry. Those who prioritise products with extended service life, ease of repair, and recyclability at an early stage are positioned to achieve substantial competitive advantages.

Pallet wrappings and strapping bands, such as stretch film and plastic straps, are now exempt from the obligation of full reuse. Previously, this obligation applied to internal company use, transactions between affiliated companies and national transport within a Member State. The new regulation is specifically designed to ease the burden in these areas.