Tracker entry M09: PPWR: Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Phasing in
EU
Next date
in 14 months
Deadline for the Commission's design-for-recycling criteria and recyclability grades
- Region
- EU
- Sector
- Packaging and logistics
- Imposed by
- European Commission
- Applies to
- Anyone placing packaging on the EU market
- Technology
- RFID one option
What the rule requires
Every packaging unit now needs a traceable identifier, and the manufacturer's details can be given through a data carrier, which opens the door to RFID or NFC as well as QR codes. From 2030, the reuse targets for pallets, crates and other transport packaging will push operators to track returnable assets, and RAIN RFID is a natural fit. Any tag left inside a pack must not spoil its recyclability grade.
Status: Applies since 12 Aug 2026; labelling, reuse and recyclability duties phase in to 2040
What it means for RFID
The PPWR does not mandate RFID. Since 12 August 2026 every packaging unit needs a traceable identifier, and manufacturer details can be given through a data carrier, so RFID and NFC sit alongside QR codes as options. RFID News reported in August 2026 that the regulation's reuse labelling rules call for reusable packaging to carry a data carrier that supports tracking and the counting of trips and rotations.
Returnable transport packaging is the clearest fit. From 1 January 2030, 40% of transport packaging must be reusable within a re-use system, with an aim of 70% by 2040, which points operators of pallets, crates and roll cages towards passive UHF (RAIN) tracking.
The tag is part of the pack, and from 1 January 2030 only recyclability grades A to C are allowed, so inlay makers face questions about how antennas and adhesives behave in recycling. The next dates are 1 January 2028 for the Commission's design-for-recycling criteria and 12 August 2028, the earliest date for harmonised material labelling.
Timeline
- Regulation (EU) 2025/40 enters into force
- General application: declarations of conformity, a traceable identifier on each packaging unit, manufacturer details on pack or via a data carrier
- Deadline for the Commission's design-for-recycling criteria and recyclability grades
- Earliest date for harmonised material labelling; the implementing act setting the label design is late
- 40% of transport packaging must be reusable within a re-use system; only recyclability grades A to C allowed
- Recycled-at-scale test for recyclability
- Aim of 70% reusable transport packaging
Our coverage
- The PPWR blind spot: why your RFID tag is now the weakest link in your compliance chain2 Sep 2026
- PPWR Applies From Today: EU Packaging Compliance Just Became a Data Problem, and RFID Is Ready for It12 Aug 2026
Sources
Official source: EUR-Lex
Last checked against the official source on 1 November 2026.
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