Business · Trade · 8 hrs ago
EU states seek exemption from packaging rules for small exporters
Since August, companies selling goods in another EU country have had to appoint a representative there to ensure packaging waste costs are covered.
EU states want to exempt low-volume European exporters from that requirement unless they place at least one tonne of packaging on that country’s market in a calendar year.
The change is intended to ease the burden on small businesses that send only a few packages abroad.
Companies based outside the EU would remain subject to the current rule.
The European Parliament has backed a different approach, defining small businesses by staff numbers and annual turnover or balance sheet.
Both institutions must agree before any change can take effect, and negotiations can now begin.
Germany says it will not impose fines for breaches until February 2027, while the rules continue to concern small traders who ship individual orders abroad.
EU states want to exempt some European companies from appointing an authorised representative for packaging in other EU countries.
Their proposed exemption would apply only when a company places less than one tonne of packaging on a particular national market per calendar year.
The requirement has applied since August to companies selling goods in other EU member states.
The states’ agreement opens negotiations with the European Parliament, which has proposed a different definition of small businesses.
Companies based outside the EU would not be covered by the proposed change.
- Who
- EU member states are seeking the exemption for European companies that place small amounts of packaging on other EU markets.
- What
- They propose requiring an authorised representative only when a company places at least one tonne of packaging per year on a national market.
- When
- The states reached an agreement reported on October 21, 2026. The representative requirement has applied since August.
- Where
- The rules concern sales into other EU member states.
- Why
- The states say the requirement creates a disproportionate burden for small packaging producers.
EU member states
European Parliament
Threshold for an exemption
EU member states
The states propose an exemption for European manufacturers placing less than one tonne of packaging per calendar year on a national market.
European Parliament
Parliament supports exemptions for EU businesses with fewer than 50 employees and annual turnover below €10 million or a balance sheet below €10 million.
The European Commission proposed suspending the requirement for European manufacturers to appoint authorised representatives.
The requirement to appoint an authorised representative for sales into other EU member states took effect.
European Parliament members supported exemptions for small EU businesses.
EU states agreed on a proposed one-tonne threshold, enabling negotiations with Parliament.
- Proposed threshold
- At least 1 tonne of packaging per calendar year in a national market
- Requirement
- Appoint an authorised representative in each EU country where goods are sold
- Parliament's employee limit
- Fewer than 50 employees
- Parliament's financial limits
- Annual turnover below €10 million or a balance sheet below €10 million
- Non-EU companies
- No change proposed