EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation enters into force

The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into effect on August 12, 2026, is introducing significant changes to how packaging is managed and regulated. The European Commission has released updated guidance to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various market participants.

Under the new rules, entities that market products under their own brand name may be classified as manufacturers, even if production and filling are handled by third-party service providers. This designation is determined by who controls the design and specifications, and legal responsibilities cannot be fully transferred to suppliers via contract.

In response to the regulation, the Netzwerk Autorenrechte, which includes PEN Deutschland, has issued a statement calling for a proportionate and low-bureaucracy implementation. The group argues that small-scale actors, such as self-publishers and authors who occasionally ship books or promotional materials, should not face the same administrative burdens as large-scale retailers. They are advocating for simplified rules for small quantities and practical guidelines for cross-border shipping within the EU to prevent disadvantaging smaller market participants.