[PL] Packaging regulations in different countries: How to comply with international legal requirements

Legal packaging requirements are becoming increasingly complex and diverse. For businesses operating in the international market, knowledge of these regulations and their effective application is essential to avoid financial penalties and ensure legal compliance. How do you comply with international legal requirements? We look at what packaging regulations operate in different countries.

The Polish BDO Register – an integral part of waste management

It is worth knowing that Poland has a BDO Register, which is a key element of waste management. It is a database containing information on, inter alia, products or packaging. It was launched on 24 January 2018 by the Ministry of Environment (now the Ministry of Climate) and is maintained by the Marshals of the provinces. Who should subscribe to BDO?

Entrepreneurs who generate waste or market packaged products must be registered in the BDO Register and keep waste records to comply with legal requirements. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a financial penalty imposed by the Provincial Environmental Inspector.

The register of registered entities is publicly available at www.bdo.mos.gov.pl.

EU directives on waste and packaging

The European Union also introduces specific legislation on packaging and related waste. EU directives aim to protect the environment by minimising waste, recycling waste and promoting sustainable material cycles. Each EU member state must implement these directives in its own laws, with the result that regulations may vary slightly between countries.

Regulation on packaging and packaging waste

In November 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal to amend the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to reduce waste and increase recycling opportunities.

According to the new proposal, all packaging on the EU market must be recyclable or reusable by 2030 and packaging waste is to be reduced by 10% by 2035.

In addition, minimum packaging design requirements are planned to facilitate segregation and recycling and reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.

When will these changes come into effect? The Commission’s proposal is currently being examined by the Council and the European Parliament, which must reach an agreement to introduce the new rules. Both the Council and the Parliament are considering the possibility of introducing more flexibility for Member States in terms of reuse and refilling targets for packaging.

Packaging legislation in different countries

What packaging regulations are in place in European countries? As it turns out, they vary somewhat. However, there are countries where their principles are similar.

In Germany, anyone placing packaging on the market for the first time must meet two conditions. Firstly, he or she must obtain a licence from a waste disposal company operating under the dual system. Secondly, it must register with the LUCID Central Packaging Register. Compliance with these requirements stems from the German Packaging Act, which implements the EU Packaging Directive.

In Belgium, there is a precise procedure for distinguishing between household and industrial packaging. Traders who place packaging on the market include producers, retailers and bottlers located in Belgium. In addition, there is a set minimum annual quantity of packaging, which places an obligation on entrepreneurs to manage the collection of packaging waste.

In the UK, on the other hand, there are restrictions on the amount and sale of packaging, which is of key importance. The obligation arises when the set minimum quantity or sales limit is exceeded. An important point is that there is no requirement to participate in a specific waste collection and recycling scheme. All packaging waste must be recycled by setting up a private packaging return system or joining an existing system.

This issue is even different in the Netherlands. The obligation to take back packaging waste only applies to household packaging. Transport and industrial packaging are treated as additional logistics materials and are not subject to the obligation to participate in the packaging waste management system.

What is the packaging situation in the USA? Here, too, restrictions are placed on packaging waste. Furthermore, the demand for active and intelligent packaging is growing in the USA. It is also worth knowing that the logistical process involved in sending parcels is also slightly different than in Europe, but you will read about this in our article: How to send a parcel to the US.

How to comply with international legal requirements?

Complying with packaging regulations in different countries is key to doing international business. This requires not only knowledge of local regulations, but also effective compliance with international standards. Therefore, businesses should keep track of changes in packaging regulations and update their procedures regularly. This will help ensure legal compliance and minimise the risk of financial penalties.