The Customs Watch EU: Edition 18
- Arne Mielken
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Is Your EU Packaging Ready? August is coming! Are you ready for the new EU packaging rules, or is your supply chain about to hit a massive 90-day compliance wall?
Summary: The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) becomes mandatory on August 12, 2026. Businesses must secure PFAS test results, provide a Declaration of Conformity, and limit the empty space in parcels to 40%. Failure to comply risks immediate border rejections and significant supply chain liability as the 90-day countdown begins. |
What are the immediate PPWR requirements?
If you thought you had more time, think again. The "Packaging Dead Zone" ends on August 12, 2026. By this date, all packaging placed on the EU market must meet strict safety and design standards. Specifically, you must ensure:
PFAS Limits: Individual PFAS must be ≤25 ppb, with a sum of PFAS below 250 ppb.
Space Limits: Parcels cannot exceed 40% empty space unless technically unavoidable.
Documentation: Every piece of packaging requires an EU Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation.
How does the 90-day countdown affect you?
The clock isn't just ticking; it's practically screaming. Border rejections are scheduled to begin the very day after the deadline. Suppliers who cannot provide the necessary PFAS test results or conformity assessments are no longer partners—they are liabilities to your balance sheet.
Requirement | Deadline | Action Needed |
PFAS Testing | 12 August 2026 | Request lab results from suppliers now. |
Declaration of Conformity | 12 August 2026 | Verify Article 38 compliance for all packaging. |
40% Empty Space Rule | 12 August 2026 | Audit transit packaging dimensions immediately. |
Why is waiting for more guidance a mistake?
Many teams have spent months waiting for one more FAQ from Brussels, but that definitive guidance arrived back in March. While some obligations like digital QR code labeling are phased in through 2030, the core design and registration requirements are immediate. Procurement teams should be chasing verified data this week, as documentation must be in hand before the August 12 "hard" application date.
This is the power of The Customs Watch EU! Delivered to your inbox weekly.
Why Subscribe?
Stay Compliant Across Jurisdictions: Receive comprehensive updates on EU customs regulations and policies to ensure your operations remain fully compliant.
Save Time & Reduce Risk: Our expert team simplifies complex customs regulations into actionable insights, saving you time and minimizing risk.
Expert Analysis You Can Trust: Access in-depth articles, detailed breakdowns, and expert commentary to effectively manage customs risks.
Continuous Learning and Training: Empower your team with exclusive training and resources to keep them ahead of regulatory changes in customs.
Targeted Updates on EU Customs Regulations: Receive tailored updates on PPWR compliance, CBAM pricing, and the upcoming EU-Mexico trade deal.
Extensive Customs Coverage
If you're involved in importing goods into the EU, staying up to date with EU customs laws and regulations is crucial. We provide regular updates on key regulations, including the Union Customs Code (UCC) and the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Stay ahead of changes to ensure your compliance with customs rules. All in one magazine—the only update you need to read.
Our Trade Intelligence Service: The Customs Watch EU
Your Ultimate Trade Compliance Companion: The Customs Watch EU saves time, keeps you updated, and aids in making intelligent supply chain cross-border decisions. Find out more
How To Sign Up
👉 Visit www.customsmanager.info to subscribe and start your free 30-day trial. No Commitment, no credit card, just information emails sent to you. Access our expert-curated legal and local updates — one source, one place, the only place.
How Customs Manager Ltd Can Support You:
Expert Consultancy & Advice: Discuss the implications of PPWR and EU packaging rules for your specific context. Schedule a free 1-hour consultancy call. Book at www.customsmanager.org → Book Expert Call.
UK Customs Clearance: We act as direct and indirect customs agents. Let us break down the Brexit border so you can trade almost like the old days.
Specialized Training: Get in-depth training on EU Packaging Compliance (PPWR). We offer live, on-demand (pre-recorded), and in-house training for you and your team. Visit www.customsmanager.org -> Events to see what’s coming up.
Free Information and Updates
Weekly Newsletter: Subscribe Here
Weekly Videos (YouTube): Check out Ask the Customs Manager for video messages by Arne Mielken.
Author: Arne Mielken | Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd & EU Customs Expert | Updated: 13 May 2026
#PPWR #EUTrade #CustomsCompliance #PackagingRules #PFAS #SupplyChain #Sustainability #GreenDeal #ImportExport #TradeIntelligence
Want to read more?
Subscribe to customsmanager.info to keep reading this exclusive post.
