trade-e-bility News and Press Releases

Even durable carrier bags may be subject to dual-system participation under the German Packaging Law Implementation Act. What matters is not whether a bag may be reused, but its original purpose. For many retailers, this decision may entail additional disposal and licensing costs.

The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) sets specific rules for classifying composite packaging. The European Commission has now clarified that adhesives, labels, paints, printing inks, varnishes and coatings are generally not counted as separate packaging materials.

Recent concerns suggest that retailers may assume manufacturer responsibilities when adding dispatch labels to standard packaging. The European Commission, however, has now clarified that adding a dispatch label does not, in fact, trigger manufacturer obligations.

Please note: From 12 August 2026, packaging must be covered by a declaration of conformity before the relevant goods or products can be imported into or placed on the EU market. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires a separate declaration of conformity to be drawn up for packaging within its scope. This requirement applies not only to sales packaging but also to transport packaging.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces new labelling and information requirements for packaging, which will be phased in across the European Union. These requirements are intended to make it easier for consumers to correctly sort packaging waste, promote the circular economy, and establish harmonised packaging labelling standards across Europe.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces new packaging requirements across Europe from 12 August 2026. In Germany, the current Packaging Act (VerpackG) will be replaced by the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG), which will implement the PPWR at national level and set out the applicable sanctions and fines for non-compliance. For businesses, the key question is: What fines and other sanctions can be imposed for breaches of the PPWR and the VerpackDG?

The EU’s battery rules could be hard to apply to some small or safety-sensitive products. The European Commission has therefore added six new product categories that can use built-in batteries. This is meant to allow products to stay safer, more durable and water-resistant while still letting trained specialists replace the battery when needed.

With the gradual introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as a requirement, businesses that do not comply may face serious repercussions. Among the risks involved are sales bans, fines, product recalls, and considerable damage to one’s reputation. Thus, companies should stop postponing the development of their DPP strategy.

The countdown is on: starting in 2027, the Digital Battery Passport will be compulsory, posing a significant compliance challenge for numerous companies. Data that is incomplete or incorrect could put market access at risk, disturb supply chains, and weaken competitiveness. It is essential for producers and retailers to take action now, since market success will rely on both the battery and the quality and completeness of its digital information.

In 2026, the right to repair will materialise, leading to a fundamental transformation of the duties of producers and retailers. New repairability requirements, longer warranty periods, stricter regulations on the availability of replacement parts, and the implementation of the Digital Product Passport will increase the pressure on product development, after-sales service, and compliance. Companies that do not adjust their processes in a timely manner risk facing legal repercussions, substantial costs, and a loss of competitive edge.