What does the new EU packaging regulation require from a small business?

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 applies from 12 August 2026 across the EU, directly, with no national law needed. Anyone placing packaged products on the market must keep packaging to the minimum, use recyclable packaging and, from 12 August 2028, label it with the harmonised EU sorting labels. Re-use targets from 2030, with exemptions for micro-enterprises.

Who must?

Anyone placing packaged products on the EU market: the manufacturer, the importer, and a trader packing under its own brand.

What to do?

1. List the packaging you use (sales, transport) and who counts as the packaging "manufacturer".
2. By 12 August 2026: cut empty space and unnecessary layers; check the recyclability of the materials.
3. Prepare for the sorting labels from 12 August 2028 (art. 12).

Where to file?

The producer register in each member state (art. 44); in Croatia the Environmental Protection Fund.

Who checks?

National market surveillance authority (in Croatia: the State Inspectorate and the environment ministry)

Fine

Penalties are set by each member state (art. 68); in Croatia for now under the Waste Management Act.

What if I am already late?

The Regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026: start with the packaging list and the reduction.