EU packaging regulations to expand obligations for Romanian producers

Starting August 12, 2026, the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will significantly alter compliance obligations for Romanian producers exporting to other EU member states. Under the new rules, responsibility for packaging waste management is no longer limited to where the packaging is produced, but extends to the member state where the packaged product is made available to the final user.

Experts from Deloitte Romania note that Romanian companies must conduct a thorough inventory of all commercial flows to identify which countries trigger specific obligations. The level of responsibility depends on the distribution model; for instance, selling to a local distributor in another member state may result in a different regulatory regime than selling directly to consumers via online stores. Companies must determine whether the recipient is a natural or legal person considered a consumer to establish their role as the responsible producer under applicable laws.