European Commission: Packaging rules need flexibility for microbusinesses
In Estonia, Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment, said that new EU packaging rules need greater flexibility for micro and small enterprises that sell goods in other member states. According to him, extended producer responsibility requirements could make cross-border trade too expensive and bureaucratically complex for the smallest companies.
As ERR News reports, Child discussed EU proposals in the circular economy field with Estonian authorities and other stakeholders, as well as the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation.
Purpose of the new rules
The EU Packaging Regulation is intended to reduce the excessive use of packaging materials and the amount of waste, promote the reuse of packaging and the recycling of waste. It is also intended to harmonize requirements across EU countries, support the internal market and reduce Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials.
The rules will be introduced gradually. In August, provisions concerning hazardous substances in food-contact packaging materials entered into force. Most other requirements will start to apply from 2030. The European Commission is still preparing implementing acts that are to clarify certain provisions, including restrictions on plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables weighing up to 1.5 kg.
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Proposals for small companies
Child acknowledged that microenterprises and small companies exporting goods to other EU states, including through online platforms, should not face excessive costs or administrative burdens. “This is a problem that we need to solve together,” he said.
A year ago, the European Commission proposed suspending the obligation to appoint and pay for an extended producer responsibility representative in another member state. According to the official, such costs may be too high for microenterprises. Among possible approaches, he named mutual recognition between member states or exempting small companies from part of the requirements. The proposal is currently being discussed by member states.
For fresh unprocessed fruit and vegetables, as well as pre-packaged fresh produce weighing up to 1.5 kg, restrictions on certain types of single-use plastic packaging are to apply from January 1, 2030. Member states will be able to provide for exceptions where a need is proven, including to prevent moisture loss, wilting, microbiological risks, physical damage or oxidation of products. The procedure for applying such exceptions has yet to be clarified.
