South Korean exporters struggle with new EU packaging regulations

A report by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) reveals that most South Korean exporters are unprepared for the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which went into effect on August 12.

According to a survey of 610 companies exporting to or planning to export to the EU, 82.5% of respondents reported having little to no knowledge of the regulation. Only 16.7% of companies have completed or are currently undergoing a diagnosis of how the regulation applies to their products.

Key challenges identified include a lack of internal expertise (32.3%) and the high cost of testing, certification, and consulting (30.3%). Furthermore, over half of the companies using plastic packaging lack necessary documentation, such as recycled material supplier proof and recyclability assessments. Many firms also noted difficulty in passing these additional costs on to customers through transaction prices.

KITA recommends tailored support, including technical document assistance, cost vouchers, and practical training to help businesses navigate compliance and supply chain management.