This document, Regulation (EU) 2025/40, concerns packaging and packaging waste and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904 and repealing Directive 94/62/EC. The purpose of this Regulation is to support sustainable packaging in the internal market, minimise their complexity, improve their reusability and recyclability and reduce the amount of substances of concern in packaging materials, in particular food packaging. The Regulation aims to the entire packaging life cycle, from their design and production to waste management.

Between key points of the regulation include:

• Definitions: The Regulation contains definitions of terms such as "packaging", "producer", "composite packaging" and "deposit system", which are important for the correct application of its provisions.
• Scope of application: The regulation applies to all packaging, regardless of the material used, and to all packaging waste, regardless of whether it comes from industry, retail, services or households.
• Free movement: Packaging that complies with the regulation can be freely marketed within the EU.
• Sustainability requirements: The regulation sets requirements for packaging minimization, the use of recycled content in plastic packaging, and the design of packaging for recycling.
• Labeling: It is determined harmonized system of packaging labelling, which will inform consumers about their material composition and proper waste management. In addition, it provides labeling for reusable packaging and for packaging that is part of a backup system.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The Regulation introduces obligations for packaging producers in the field of packaging waste management, including the obligation to register and finance the collection and recycling of waste. It stipulates that if the producer is not established in the Member State where he places the packaging on the market, he is obliged to appoint an authorised representative.
• Backup systems: The regulation supports the introduction of deposit systems for certain types of packaging in order to increase their collection rates.
• Reusable packaging: The regulation sets out requirements for reusable packaging, including the obligation to use reuse systems.
• Packaging bans: The regulation prohibits the placing on the market of certain packaging formats, such as plastic grouped packaging.
• Data and reports: Member States are obliged to submit data on the management of packaging and packaging waste to the Commission.
• Compliance check: The Regulation establishes procedures for assessing the conformity of packaging with the requirements of the Regulation and for resolving cases of non-compliance.
• Green public procurement: The regulation aims to promote public procurement of sustainable packaging.

The regulation also specifies requirements for technical documentation of packaging, including the procedures for demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the Regulation. This documentation should be accessible to national authorities carrying out market surveillance.

Regulation repeals Directive 94/62/EC.

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