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The new EU Packaging Regulation aims to make packaging more environmentally friendly and strengthen the circular economy. However, a lack of planning certainty, extensive reporting requirements and additional bureaucracy could make things difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The EU is closely reviewing JD.com’s planned takeover of a major European electronics retailer. Germany has approved the deal with strict data rules, but the EU is checking whether Chinese state support could give JD.com an unfair advantage. A final decision is still pending.

The new German Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) can take effect on 12 August 2026, alongside the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The law will set German rules for responsibilities, registration, inspections and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

A new EU customs fee makes small orders from outside the EU more expensive. The goal is to reduce cheap imports and give European retailers a fairer chance. However, Temu, Shein and AliExpress may reduce the impact by changing how they ship goods.

SMEs face more challenges than ever: new EU rules, rising compliance demands, global competition, cybersecurity, the circular economy and AI. The key question is: How can SMEs stay competitive without being overwhelmed by regulation?

The PPWR raises a key question for private-label products: is the retailer or supplier responsible for packaging compliance? The ZSVR currently sees the retailer as the producer, bringing significant documentation, liability and EPR obligations. Industry associations are calling for a clear, uniform interpretation, while companies should clarify packaging responsibilities early to avoid costly uncertainty.

From 1 July 2026, retailers and producers in Germany must take back end-of-life e-cigarettes free of charge, increasing responsibility for lithium batteries. With battery fires and poor recycling on the rise, calls for deposit schemes, stronger producer responsibility and even bans on disposable e-cigarettes are growing. The key question is now: will take-back schemes be enough, or will stricter measures follow?

JD.com’s planned takeover of a major European electronics retailer has passed German review with strict conditions. However, the European Commission is still checking whether Chinese subsidies could give JD.com an unfair advantage. The deal could change retail, supply chains and online shopping across Europe.

Temu, Shein and AliExpress now account for a record 5.3% of German online sales, growing much faster than the overall market. Low prices continue to attract shoppers, putting pressure on German retailers. To compete, local businesses will need to focus on quality, strong brands, service and trust.

Germany is preparing new textile rules that could make producers pay more for collection and recycling. With poor textile quality making recycling harder, companies will need to focus on durable, repairable and recyclable products. Early preparation could help businesses manage future costs and requirements.