Packaging Type

Requirement

Application Date

Remark

All

1. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg and Cr(VI)) content ≤ 100 mg/kg (0.01%) (sum)

12 August 2026

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2. Conformity assessment (testing), preparation of EU declaration of conformity (DoC) and technical documentation

12 August 2026

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3(a). Register in the EU Member States’ national register(s)

12 August 2026 or later

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3(b). Label of extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligation fulfillment

12 February 2027

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4. Harmonised label of material composition

12 August 2028 or later

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5(a). Recyclability performance grade: A, B, C

1 January 2030 or later

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5(b). Recyclability performance grade: A, B

1 January 2038

6(a). Post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging per manufacturing plant and year: ≥ 35%

1 January 2030 or later

Does not apply to (1) compostable plastic packaging, (2) Food contact plastic packaging where the quantity of recycled content poses a threat to human health and results in non-compliance of packaged products, (3) plastic part representing < 5% of total weight of whole packaging unit.
Less stringent for certain food-contact materials, exempt certain kinds of packaging

6(b). Post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging per manufacturing plant and year: ≥ 65%

1 January 2040

7(a). Packaging minimisation (packaging weight and volume reduction)

1 January 2030

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7(b). Empty space ratio of grouped packaging, transport packaging, e-commerce packaging: ≤ 50%

1 January 2030 or later

Food-contact

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorine (F) content:
(1) Each PFAS (polymeric PFASs excluded): < 0.025 mg/kg (25 ppb).
(2) Sum of PFASs (polymeric PFASs excluded): < 0.25 mg/kg (250 ppb).
(3) Sum of PFASs (polymeric PFASs included): < 50 mg/kg (50 ppm).
(4) Total fluorine (F): 50 mg/kg (50 ppm) (If total fluorine (F) exceeds 50 mg/kg, a proof for F quantity measured as content of either PFAS or non-PFAS shall be provided upon request)

12 August 2026

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Reusable

Label of reusability

12 February 2029 or later

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Compostable

1. Beverage bags (e.g., tea bags), sticky labels affixed to fruit and vegetables shall be industrially compostable, and if required by Member State, home compostable

12 February 2028

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2. Harmonised label of disposal instruction

12 August 2028

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Single-use

Restriction on:
(1) certain food containers, beverage containers and cups for beverages made of extruded polystyrene (XPS).
(2) shrink wrap used in airports or train stations for the protection of luggage during transport.
(3) Chips of polystyrene (PS) and other plastics that are used to protect packed goods during transport and handling.
(4) multi-pack plastic rings used as grouped packaging

12 August 2026

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1. Restriction on single-use plastic packaging:
(1) used at point of sale to group goods.
(2) for < 1.5 kg pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetables.
(3) for foods and beverages filled and consumed within premises in HORECA sector.
(4) containing individual portions or servings and used for condiments, preserves, sauces, coffee creamer, sugar and seasoning in HORECA sector.
(4) for cosmetics, hygiene and toiletry products for the use in accommodation sector.
2. Restriction on very lightweight plastic carrier bags (wall thickness < 15 µm).

1 January 2030