Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40; WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU; Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542; End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 (replacing Directive 2000/53/EC from 1 September 2028); Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904
The EU runs product-specific EPR regimes for packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, vehicles and single-use plastics, putting collection, recycling and recycled-content obligations on producers placing goods on the single market. The Packaging Regulation has applied directly in all Member States since 12 August 2026, with recyclability, reuse and recycled-content rules phasing in. The new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation sets vehicle design, recycled-content and EPR rules from 1 September 2028.
- Enforcement
- Mandatory
- Effective date
- PPWR entered into force 11 February 2025 and has applied since 12 August 2026 (Article 67(5) from 12 February 2029; other obligations phase in later). Battery Regulation entered into force 17 August 2023 with phased obligations through 2027. ELV Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 entered into force 13 August 2026 and applies from 1 September 2028, when Directive 2000/53/EC is repealed (some Directive provisions continue until 2032). WEEE Directive in force since 2012; SUP Directive transposition deadline 3 July 2021.
- Covered entities
- Producers, importers and distributors placing packaging, EEE, batteries, vehicles or single-use plastic products on the EU market, regardless of material or origin