Question
Do I need new packaging labels from August 2026?
Reviewed 2026-08-15
Commonly said
The new EU packaging labels are required from 12 August 2026.
No. Harmonised EU labelling starts 12 August 2028.
What does start on 12 August 2026
- PPWR product rules.
- Article 45 authorised representative duty.
- Annex V restrictions on certain single-use plastic formats.
- Minimum recycled content for some plastic categories.
What does not
- Harmonised labelling symbols — those apply from 12 August 2028.
Still watch out for
- National labelling rules already in force, notably Italy and France.
- Plan the harmonised change into your next redesign rather than reprinting now.
Selling to more than one country?
Registration is one per country, and the rules differ everywhere. Run the checker — it lists every registration your answers point to, in about two minutes.
Sources
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