The European SMEunited trade association is calling for immediate improvements in the implementation of the EU Packaging Regulation PPWR. The focus is on the requirement to appoint representatives in the member states and a sufficiently long cooling-off period for small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to SMEunited, the PPWR, which has been in effect since August 12, 2026, leads to legal uncertainty and additional costs for small and medium-sized enterprises. Particularly when selling cross-border, the association sees additional complexity and costs. At the same time, SMEunited emphasizes its support for the basic objectives of the regulation.
Criticism of the lack of implementing documents
The association also criticizes delays in implementation. Necessary implementing legislation has not been issued in time. The simplifications provided for in the so-called Environmental Omnibus have also not yet been decided upon by European legislators.
„SMEs cannot wait for years for solutions. The upcoming Circular Economy Act may address some problems, but companies need clarity today. The European Commission, Parliament, and the Member States must prioritize short-term measures to relieve the burden on SMEs. The suspension of the requirement to appoint an authorized representative in every Member State should be the first step.“
SMEunited President Davide Galli
Specifically, SMEunited is therefore calling for the obligation to appoint representatives to be suspended in each member state. Furthermore, the association advocates for a sufficiently long cooling-off period. According to SMEunited, the consultation should first take place and sanctions should only be imposed later.
„SMEs want to comply with the regulations. What they need is a framework that is clear, proportionate and practically implementable. Now, the priority must be to provide immediate relief where possible,“ said Galli. SMEunited also calls on political decision-makers to accelerate the work on the Environmental Omnibus and to ensure proportionate enforcement of the regulations during the transition phase.
According to its own statements, SMEunited represents 65 member organizations from more than 30 European countries. These include national cross-industry craft and SME associations as well as European industry organizations.
Source: SMEunited
