Applies from
12.08.2026
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 · Art. 70(3)
PPWR Knowledge
The EU Packaging Regulation at a Glance
Full text, mandatory documents, downloadable templates, answers to frequently asked questions — all in one place.
Content as of: Mai 2026 · last document update: 15.05.2025
Fine
up to €100,000
per infringement, higher for systematic breaches of obligations
Affected
all manufacturers
those placing on the market, importers, online retailers
Labelling Obligation
What must appear on every package?
Governed by Art. 12 + Art. 15(6) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. The obligations take effect on 12 August 2026 — individual harmonised material pictograms will be phased in afterwards (Commission implementing act, expected 2027/2028).
1. Material labelling
Harmonised code scheme (e.g. PAP 20, GL 70, PP 5). Until the new implementing act enters into force, Decision 97/129/EC continues to apply.
2. Disposal instruction
Which collection stream (paper bin, yellow bag, deposit, …) — clearly worded and with pictograms so the end consumer can understand it.
3. Recycled content
For plastic packaging, the share of secondary raw material it contains must be stated as a percentage.
4. Identification of the party placing on the market
Name + where applicable the EU economic operator number (EORI) for imports from third countries.
These mandatory details can be printed statically on the packaging or delivered dynamically via a QR code — the latter is the purpose of our platform: print once, change content later, without producing the code anew.
Documents
Mandatory documents & templates for download
Original texts and Word templates that you can adapt to your product. Please verify they are up to date yourself — the reference status is noted in each document.
EU Packaging Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR)
Complete text of the regulation, German. Applicable from 12 Aug 2026.
As of 15.05.2025 · ~1,3 MB
Implementing Act (Federal Government draft)
National transposition draft — note the status of the parliamentary deliberations.
As of Q1 2026 · ~2 MB
EU pictograms (K259486b)
Current status of the planned material pictograms for all EU Member States.
As of 03.02.2026 · ~11 MB
Declaration of Conformity template
Word template to adapt to your product.
As of 2025 · 20 KB
Corrugated board supplier declaration template
Word template for declarations to corrugated board suppliers.
As of 2025 · 18 KB
Technical Documentation template (carton FEFCO 0201)
Example of the technical documentation for a standard shipping package.
As of 2025 · 4 KB
Official points of contact
Mandatory registration & legal sources
Mandatory
LUCID — Packaging Register
Central Agency Packaging Register Foundation. All parties first placing packaging on the market must register here free of charge.
verpackungsregister.orgVerpackungsgesetz.com
Current PPWR full text with commentary and consolidation. A good source for checking how up to date information is.
PPWR full textOur Platform
How PPWR-QR-Code makes compliance simple
Dynamic QR codes
A single slot on every package — you change the content at any time, without printing a new code.
Pictogram library
Recycling codes (PAP 21, GL 70, ALU 41 …) + shipping warning symbols built in. Place them on the label with a click.
Multilingual scan page
End customers select the language via flag selection (DE/EN/FR/ES/PT/IT). Your content is also translated automatically on request.
PDF attachments
Declarations of conformity, data sheets and safety data sheets retrievable directly at the scan.
GS1 Digital Link
Sunrise-2027-ready: uses the same code for PPWR + the EAN replacement in industry and retail.
PPWR labels for printing
10 standard sizes on a DIN A4 sheet — blank for self-printing or delivered ready-printed free of charge (5–7 working days). Custom sizes on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the PPWR
The most frequently asked questions about the EU Packaging Regulation — answered concisely. You can look up terms in the PPWR glossary; functional questions about the platform can be found in the FAQ.
What is the PPWR and when does it apply?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is the new EU packaging regulation. It applies directly in all Member States and is to be applied from 12 August 2026. As a regulation, it does not first need to be transposed into national law — it takes effect directly.
Who is affected by the PPWR?
All parties first placing packaging on the market: manufacturers, importers and online retailers who place packaging or packaged goods on the market in the EU. Even a single packaged shipment to the EU market triggers the obligations.
What information must appear on every package from 12 Aug 2026?
Material labelling according to a harmonised code scheme (e.g. PAP 20, GL 70, PP 5), an understandable disposal or sorting instruction, the recycled content rate for plastic packaging, and identification of the party placing it on the market. Governed, among others, by Art. 12 and Art. 15(6) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40.
What penalties apply for breaches of the PPWR?
The fines are governed by national implementing law and can amount to up to €100,000 per infringement — higher for systematic breaches of obligations. In addition, there may be sales bans and recalls of non-compliant packaging.
May I provide the mandatory information via a QR code instead of printing it on?
Yes. The mandatory information may be printed statically OR delivered digitally via a QR code or data carrier. Our platform is made for exactly this: you print the code once and change the stored content at any time later, without producing the packaging anew.
What is the difference between the PPWR and the German Packaging Act (VerpackG / LUCID)?
The VerpackG with LUCID registration remains in place and primarily governs licensing and system participation. The PPWR supplements this EU-wide with labelling, recycled content and design obligations. LUCID registration with the Central Agency Packaging Register Foundation remains mandatory for parties first placing on the market.
From when do the harmonised material pictograms apply?
The uniform EU pictograms will be phased in via a Commission implementing act (expected 2027/2028). Until then, Decision 97/129/EC continues to apply to the material codes. Since our QR codes are dynamic, you adapt the labelling as soon as the new requirements take effect — without reprinting.
12. August 2026
D-Day for the PPWR. From this date, the mandatory information must be on every new package.
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