The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40 has applied since 12 August 2026. Non-EU companies shipping directly to EU consumers must appoint an authorised representative for producer responsibility, harmonised labels follow from 2028, and from 1 January 2030 operators filling transport or e-commerce packaging must keep the empty space ratio at or below 50%, with filler counted as empty space.
Key dates
- Done12 Aug 2026
General application of the regulation Latham & Watkins
- 1 Feb 2028
Commission due to publish harmonised calculation methods for empty space (month only, per trade press) Packaging Gateway
- 12 Aug 2028
Harmonised material composition label required (or later, depending on implementing acts) Latham & Watkins
- 1 Jan 2030
Maximum 50% empty space ratio for transport and e-commerce packaging Latham & Watkins
Every date of this rule, with what it means for a parcel and what to prepare. If a date moves, your calendar moves with it.
Free, no sign-up, nothing tracked. One link can be shared with your compliance, operations and commercial teams so everyone works from the same dates. Information, not legal advice.
Check which other rules apply to your route →
Who it hits
What to prepare
- Measure the empty space ratio of current box sizes against the 50% limit and plan carton range changes before 2030.
- Ask non-EU sellers in your fulfilment network to show their authorised representative arrangements.
- Review dimensional-weight tariffs, since right-sized packaging will reduce billable volume.
Our reading
Sources
- European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: Summary of Provisions and New Guidance · Latham & Watkins · 2026-04-24
- EU sets 50% empty space cap for e-commerce packaging · Packaging Gateway · 2026-04-13
- New EU rules on packaging enter into application · European Commission, DG Environment · 2026-08-11
- EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: New Compliance Requirements for E-Commerce · Greenberg Traurig · 2025-08-28
Related rules
- 25 Oct 2026EU product identifiers mandatory on low-value e-commerce imports from 1 November 2026
UPS: shipments missing seller or manufacturer identifiers may fail validation from this date
European Union · Adopted - 1 Nov 2026EU €2 handling fee per item on distance sales from 1 November 2026
Fee applies, per the Commission's customs reform page (ten days after Official Journal publication)
European Union · Adopted - 2 Dec 2026Platform Work Directive: transposition deadline for app-based couriers
Deadline for member states to transpose the directive
European Union · Adopted - 9 Dec 2026New Product Liability Directive reaches fulfilment providers
New rules apply to products placed on the EU market from this date
European Union · Adopted - 1 Jan 2027EU customs reform: platforms become the importer
EU Customs Authority starts some activities in Lille (year only)
European Union · In force - 1 Jan 2027VAT in the Digital Age: one registration, but no deemed supplier for goods
Minor clarifications for OSS and IOSS users apply
European Union · Adopted
Information, not legal advice. Dates come from official texts or quality legal and trade press, and slip often: always check the current text before acting. Back to the full radar.