The German Retail Federation (HDE) is calling for an EU-wide grace period until 1 January 2028 for the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The background to this is a continued lack of technical specifications, standards, and guidelines. During the transition period, the association proposes that companies should be protected from sanctions if they have already demonstrably initiated the implementation of the new requirements.
The PPWR has been applicable since 12 August 2026. However, according to the HDE's assessment, companies are currently not yet able to fully adapt their processes. Essential assessment methods and technical principles are not yet fully available or sufficiently detailed.
No fines during the grace period
„The PPWR is introducing new, ambitious requirements for businesses and national authorities. However, important technical details remain unclear even weeks after it enters into force,“ says Johannes Graf Keyserlingk, Head of Sustainability at the HDE. From the association's perspective, a grace period until early 2028 is therefore necessary.
The HDE defines this as a clearly defined period during which certain legal consequences do not yet take effect despite deadlines having already expired. The regulation should apply uniformly across the EU. A prerequisite for the protection of companies is that they have demonstrably begun their measures to implement the PPWR.
During this phase, the trade association is calling for the enforcement backed by sanctions to be suspended. Fines, sales bans, product recalls and comparable measures should be waived. Companies could use the time to implement the requirements together with their partners along the supply chain.
Association demands smooth transition
According to the HDE, such a transitional arrangement should also apply to other regulations that are yet to be issued for the implementation and enforcement of the PPWR. The aim is to give companies greater planning and investment certainty and to clarify outstanding practical issues.
„It is also important that there is the possibility of a smooth transition for the implementing regulations already issued and yet to be issued at all levels of government to enforce the PPWR,“ says Count Keyserlingk.
Source: German Retail Association
