From 12 August 2026, new rules for cross-border sales will apply under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Companies will have to appoint an Authorised Representative in every country in which they sell their products. However, the European Commission might suspend this requirement for EU companies until early 2035. Companies would still need to register, report packaging volumes and pay environmental fees, nonetheless. The European Parliament's Environment Committee supports special relief measures for micro businesses and small companies.
On 5 October 2026, the European Parliament's Environment Committee adopted its report and proposed changes to the Commission's plan. These changes were presented to the European Parliament on 9 October. After the Parliament's vote, the Council of the EU also adopted its position on 21 October. However, its position differs from those of both the Commission and Parliament. All three parties will now enter the so-called trilogue process to agree on a common text. Once they reach an agreement, the final regulation will be published and apply in all EU member states 20 days later. The exact date is not yet known.
EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall wants the new rules to be in place by the end of November, hoping it will help avoid sales issues during Black Friday and Christmas. However, VERE does not expect the requirement to be suspended so quickly. Until any new rules officially come into force, companies must continue to appoint an Authorised Representative. No one should end existing agreements too early, as this could lead to compliance gaps and legal risks.
VERE e.V. is in contact with the relevant stakeholders and keeps its members informed of further developments via the “VERE Insider”.
