Page 55 - Plastics News August 2026
P. 55
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
European Commission Publish Update On PPWR
identified, Member States should first require
the relevant economic operator to remedy the
non-compliance by providing an opportunity to
take corrective action. Further measures, such
as prohibiting, recalling or withdrawing non-
compliant packaging, should only be taken if the
non-compliance persists.
The Commission also encourages market sur-
veillance authorities to support economic op-
erators by raising awareness, requesting in-
formation and setting reasonable timeframes
for corrective action, rather than adopting a
sanction-oriented approach from the outset.
he European Commission has published he updated FAQ also adds numerous practical
the second edition of its Frequently questions and examples to clarify the respon-
TAsked Questions (FAQs) on Regulation sibilities of manufacturers and producers under
(EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging the PPWR. Among other topics, the Commission
waste (PPWR) just days before its 12 August explains the distinction between sales, grouped
2026 application date. The revised FAQ com- and transport packaging; identifies who is con-
plements the Commission's Commission's earlier sidered the manufacturer of transport packag-
guidance document and provides new clarifi- ing and branded packaging, clarifies responsibil-
cations on enforcement, the responsibilities of ity where different companies own the product
economic operators, substances of concern, re- name and trademark; and provides examples
cyclability, and conformity assessment. The new for determining the producer in different supply
guidance advises national market-surveillance chain scenarios.
authorities to prioritize warnings and correc-
tive periods over immediate sanctions, signaling The revised FAQ also contains new and updated
a soft enforcement approach to prevent trade guidance on substances of concern, conformity
disruptions. A new section of the FAQs explains assessment, declarations of conformity, recy-
how Member States should enforce the PPWR clability requirements and other implementation
once it comes into effect. According to the Com- questions raised by stakeholders since the pub-
mission, enforcement should not unnecessarily lication of the first edition.
disrupt trade flows, supply chains, or consum-
er access to goods. Where non-compliance is
August 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 59
