Criticism of the packaging law: Federal government reacts to protests

The Federal Environment Ministry has proposed changes to the new packaging regulations to Brussels. Companies that circulate less than ten tons of packaging per year should no longer have to appoint an authorized representative abroad. In addition, they should have until 2028 before they have to register - until a central European system has gone into operation. This is the federal government's response to the ongoing protests by retailers and small businesses.

The new European packaging directive PPWR – “Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation” – has been in force since August 13th. It replaced the German packaging law. The new law stipulates, among other things, that information on packaging waste must be reported in all countries to which the company sells and ships products.

Sebastian Bolay, head of energy, environment and industry at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), welcomes the proposal. He addresses a central weakness of the directive, he says: “Small and medium-sized companies in particular must not be pushed out of the European internal market by disproportionate registration and authorization requirements.”

However, there is still a lack of planning security and the proposed changes are only a temporary solution. “In the long term, in order to create a level playing field for companies of all sizes in the internal market, we need the introduction of a Europe-wide one-stop-shop system for registration and producer responsibility,” said Bolay. Such an idea is already applied to sales tax and enables a one-time report to an office in the respective home country.

Thomas Koch, press spokesman for the German Book Trade Association, was also pleased with the amendment. However, in order to relieve the burden on small businesses and companies with minimal packaging quantities, he generally believes that an exception to the manufacturer's obligations when shipping across national borders is necessary. “This would ensure long-term relief from the high costs of registration and system participation,” said Koch.

In order for the proposed amendment to be adopted, it needs a majority among the EU member states.