Introduction
In the digital world of e-commerce, packaging remains essential. It protects and presents your products while simplifying handling. At the same time, packaging waste burdens our environment.
To promote recycling and protect the environment, the EU Packaging Directive defines specific rules for the use of packaging, particularly for online retailers.
Among other obligations, certain (online) retailers are required to annually report their accumulated packaging quantities per country and pay certain recycling fees.
Learn what the EU Packaging Directive entails and how we can help you minimize cardboard consumption and comply with your potential reporting obligations under the EU Packaging Directive in this article.
Are You Required to Report According to the EU Packaging Directive? How We Can Provide You with All the Necessary Data
Many online merchants are required to report according to the EU Packaging Directive and must submit an annual report on their cardboard usage.
Not sure if you're affected? You can find an initial overview of the applicable regulations and where to find further information below (see "What is the EU Packaging Directive").
Our Service: Get your Cardboard Usage Report with just a Few Clicks
Analyzing all orders yourself to create the report can be very time-consuming. We take the work off your hands so you can focus on what really matters - advancing your business.
For a service fee of €49.99, we will create the cardboard usage report for all orders shipped by us. All you have to do then is submit the report according to your EU reporting obligation.
If you would like to take advantage of this service, please contact our Customer Care Team directly via a ticket in the Connector; you will receive the report within 1-2 working days.
Our Report Includes
- All monthly data
- Detailed breakdown by countries
- Total weight in kilograms
- Total number of cartons
- Optionally, breakdown by different types/sizes of cartons (usually not required for EU reporting obligations)
Detailed Information on Cartons
How to Access Information Independently:
You can also generate these reports yourself by using the service reports we send (included every two weeks with the invoice). The reports contain information about the cartons used for each order and the destination countries.
You can find the corresponding carton weights anytime on our Notion page:
Packaging Material / Verpackungsmaterial
Insight into the EU Directive: What it is and how you can inform yourself
What does the EU Packaging Directive regulate?
The EU Packaging Directive dates back to 1994 and was last updated in 2018 (another revision is currently being discussed, see below). Its aim is to control and reduce the consumption of packaging materials while promoting recycling. It obliges each member state to enact national laws. Some key aspects include:
- Registration of packaging with local authorities
- Recycling quotas & fees to finance recycling and disposal
- Regulations for environmentally friendly packaging materials
The implementation of these topics varies depending on local laws, such as the German Packaging Act, the Packaging Ordinance in Austria, or the Packaging Waste Regulation in the UK.
What are the core obligations for you as an online retailer?
E-commerce merchants and businesses using packaging for their products must comply with the applicable packaging regulations in their country. In many countries, the online retailer is explicitly defined as the "manufacturer" of the packaging and thus responsible, rather than the executing logistics service provider (see, for example, in Germany § 7 paragraph 7 and § 3 paragraph 14c VerpackG).
Common regulations include:
- Registration requirement with the local authority, e.g.,
- Payment of licensing fees based on the amount of packaging used (implied obligation to record packaging quantities). To determine whether obligations for packaging recycling exist, online retailers must keep accurate records of how many packages they distribute in each country, particularly by material types (paper, plastic, metals, etc.). Online retailers may also need to participate in a recycling system, license their packaging, or pay packaging or waste taxes in each country they deliver to.
- In Germany: so-called "system participation obligation." There is no de minimis threshold here, meaning an online retailer is subject to fees from the first package onward.
- In other countries, there are sometimes exemptions for small businesses, but these vary from country to country and the type of packaging.
- Official annual reporting of the packaging put into circulation. These reports are independent of licensing with a recycling system. However, there are sometimes simplified regulations for small businesses here as well.
Where & How can you inquire?
Since different laws apply in each country, it is easiest if you contact your relevant authority or environmental agency directly.
At the end of this page, we have compiled some initial links for you. There you will find, among other things, the official EU guidelines, and for Germany, for example, the Central Packaging Register Foundation Verpackungsregister, which was established by the legislator and whose FAQ can be a good starting point.
Outlook on the reform of the Packaging Directive: How we already support you now
The current EU Packaging Directive is set to be replaced by a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The planned reform of the packaging directive is currently under intensive discussion, and the legislative text has not yet been finalized. Throughout the year 2024, you will be able to find updates on this matter on the official EU website.
Specifically, the following aspects are being discussed:
- Recyclability of Packaging: All packaging must be recyclable, and harmful substances in packaging and its waste should be avoided.
- Packaging Minimization: Reduction of weight and volume, limiting void space to a maximum of 50%.
- Labeling Requirements: Packaging must include information on material composition.
- Authorized Representative Requirement and Extended Producer Responsibility: Requirement for an authorized representative for extended producer responsibility.
At Quivo, we already support you in these aspects:
We primarily use cardboard packaging made from paper and cardboard, often already made from recycled materials. Thanks to our various box sizes, we always use the smallest possible packaging, minimizing void space and saving you postage costs!
Source References and further Links
- Original EU Directive from 1994: Link
- Reform of the EU Directive 2018: Link
- EU Environment Website - Packaging Waste: Link
- Germany:
- Austria:
- United Kingdom:
- France:
- For further countries, please consult your local environmental agency or relevant environmental organizations and foundations.
Update: 24th April 2024
The European Parliament has recently passed new packaging regulations related to this article.
For e-commerce, there's a significant shift:
by January 1st, 2030, packaging must ensure that no more than 50% of the space is empty airspace. Additionally, certain single-use plastic packagings will be banned, promoting the use of more sustainable alternatives.
By 2030, these packagings must be at least 40% reusable, increasing to 70% by 2040. Furthermore, there will be requirements regarding the minimum number of rotations for reusable packagings, ensuring their longevity and efficiency.
These regulations also outline specific requirements for logistics and fulfillment companies, as well as distributors of goods. It's essential for businesses to stay informed and compliant with these new standards to contribute to a more sustainable future.
For detailed information, you can access the full document here:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0318_EN.html
Disclaimer:
The information on this Notion page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. It is the responsibility of the user to inform themselves about the applicable packaging directives in their country and to take appropriate action.