European Commission Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC (Text with EEA relevance)

Key Implementation Dates
1. Entry into Force
- The regulation enters into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU (expected February 11, 2025).
- It becomes directly applicable in all Member States without national transposition.
2. Deposit and Return Systems
- By 1 January 2029, Member States must ensure that at least the deposit and return systems established comply with the minimum requirements listed in Annex X.
- Member States may establish exemptions under certain conditions but must notify the European Commission by 1 January 2028.
3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Fees Based on Recyclability
- 18 months after the adoption of delegated acts on recyclability, producers’ financial contributions for compliance must be adjusted based on recyclability performance grades.
4. Targets for Recyclability of Packaging
- By 1 January 2030, only packaging that meets recyclability performance grades A, B, or C can be placed on the market.
- By 1 January 2038, only grades A or B will be allowed.
5. Waste Reduction and Reuse Targets
- By 1 January 2030, Member States must establish systems ensuring a minimum percentage of packaging waste is reused.
- The Commission will review and assess the 2030 targets by 1 January 2034, including their feasibility for 2040 targets.
6. Penalties and Enforcement
- By 12 February 2027, Member States must establish and notify the Commission of penalties for non-compliance.
7. Reporting and Monitoring
- By 12 February 2027, the European Commission will establish a European Observatory on Reuse, collecting data and promoting best practices.
- From 2030 onwards, businesses will be required to report annually on reuse targets.
8. Labelling and Information Requirements
- By 12 August 2026, the Commission must adopt implementing acts to establish harmonized labelling requirements for packaging.
- By 1 January 2030, additional marking requirements for identifying substances of concern in packaging will take effect.
9. Reusable Packaging and Takeaway Sector
- By 12 February 2027, businesses in the HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) must allow consumers to bring their own containers for take-away food and drinks.
- By 12 February 2028, these businesses must also offer reusable packaging options for takeaway products.