The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is highlighting new packaging compliance requirements that will affect members exporting packaged products to the European Union, including Ireland. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, applies from 12th August 2026 and introduces a new framework covering the full lifecycle of packaging placed on the EU market. The Regulation includes requirements covering substance restrictions, recyclability, recycled content, labelling, reuse and waste prevention.
For DHF members supplying packaged products to EU markets, packaging compliance will now need to be considered together with existing product compliance requirements.
One of the key changes introduced by the PPWR is the requirement for an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for packaging. Businesses will also need to understand their responsibilities under the Regulation, including whether they are considered the manufacturer of the packaging and what evidence may be required to demonstrate compliance.
“The PPWR introduces new responsibilities for businesses placing packaged products on the EU market, and it is important that DHF members exporting to Europe understand what these requirements mean for them,” explains DHF’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding. “Members should be speaking to their packaging suppliers now and making sure that the information they need to demonstrate compliance will be available when required.”
The definition of ‘manufacturer’ under the PPWR is particularly important for businesses that purchase packaging from specialist suppliers. Responsibility is not necessarily held by the company that physically produces the packaging, meaning businesses should review their packaging supply chains and establish where their responsibilities lie.
“DHF members that export packaged products to the EU should start discussions with their packaging suppliers to establish what compliance information is available and how supporting evidence will be provided,” concludes Michael. “Businesses should consider obtaining and retaining material specifications, information on packaging composition, declarations, test reports and other relevant evidence as part of their packaging compliance records. Members should also review their packaging supply chains to establish who is responsible for each aspect of compliance and ensure that the required documentation can be obtained and maintained.”
The PPWR establishes requirements covering the entire lifecycle of packaging, from design through to waste handling, and businesses placing packaging on the EU market will need to take account of the new requirements as they come into force. The full Regulation is available through the Official Journal of the European Union (Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste; European Commission guidance is also available: European Commission guidance on Regulation (EU) 2025/40.)
