PPWR 2026: What Small Online Sellers Need to Do Now

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) started applying on 12 August 2026. If you are a small Etsy, Shopify or other non-EU seller shipping physical products to EU customers, you may now be wondering whether you need to register for packaging EPR, replace your packaging or even stop selling to certain EU countries. The short answer is: do not panic and do not automatically stop your EU sales. For most small overseas sellers, the practical first step is to understand which EU countries you actually sell to, identify the packaging you use, keep basic packaging records and check the applicable national EPR procedure for those markets. What Is the PPWR and How Is Packaging EPR Connected? PPWR is the EU regulation covering packaging throughout its life cycle. It sets rules on matters such as packaging materials, recyclability, labelling and waste management. European Commission overview. Packaging EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) deals with businesses’ responsibility...