Since the Packaging Regulation came into force, many companies have reported rising compliance costs, complex registration processes, and new administrative burdens. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are struggling with the additional workload created by cross-border packaging compliance.
Businesses are taking their concerns to Brussels
To highlight these practical challenges, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (German abbr. IHK) is encouraging businesses to share their PPWR experiences directly with the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament.
The large number of questions received by the IHK shows that companies continue to face uncertainty around registrations, procedures, and compliance obligations. Accordingly, the IHK has composed a list of key demands which include:
- A single EU-wide registration system ("one-stop shop")
- Harmonised and multilingual registration portals
- Sensible exemptions for small businesses
- Transition periods before penalties are enforced
- Simpler digital reporting requirements
Further calls for relief for small businesses
Parallelly, the petition “EU packaging rules: Don’t hold back micro-retailers!” also opposes disproportionate consequences for small online retailers, craft businesses, artists, manufacturers and other micro-enterprises.
As discussions continue in Brussels and national capitals, the focus is increasingly shifting toward how the PPWR can achieve its environmental goals without creating excessive barriers for small businesses. The practical dialogue is set to continue in Berlin: an event is planned for 13 October 2026 at which companies can present their specific cases to representatives of the European Commission and the German Bundestag. Oliver Friedrichs will take part in this as a representative of VERE members and take-e-way customers.
VERE e.V. is in contact with all relevant stakeholders and keeps its members informed of further developments via the “VERE Insider”.
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