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Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive In force

Overview

Jurisdiction
European Union
Topic
Environment
Instrument type
Directive
Reference number
94/62/EC
Valid from
1994-12-31
Valid to
0000-12-31
Modified date
1994-12-20
Listed at
2026-08-06
Withdrawn at
-
Description
Establishes rules for the prevention, reuse, return, collection, recovery and recycling of packaging and packaging waste, including requirements for packaging composition, marking, recoverability, heavy-metal concentrations and data provision. Companies across the packaging and supply chain must in particular comply with requirements on packaging design, material content, marking and reporting data.

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Sources

Source URL Crawler Publish date
https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062 Schokolade

Logs

Type Status Started at Finished at
Parse Finished 2026-09-01 09:02:55 UTC 2026-09-01 09:04:04 UTC

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] asking LLM gpt-5.6-luna for regulation metadata for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] asking LLM gpt-5.6-luna for milestones for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] asking LLM gpt-5.6-luna for rule sets for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] asking LLM gpt-5.6-luna for obligations for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] asking LLM gpt-5.6-luna for penalties for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] asking LLM gpt-5.6-luna for regulation links for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] skipping attribute value assignment for regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062 - no extracted condition's attribute has attribute value definitions on file

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] applying parse of regulation_source 25 https://publications.europa.eu/resource/celex/31994L0062

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] unchanged regulation 100 (Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] unchanged milestone 788 (adopted 1994-12-20)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated milestone 789 (entry_into_force 1994-12-31)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated milestone 790 (transposition_deadline 1996-06-30)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated milestone 791 (repeal 1996-06-30)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created milestone 1270 (other 2005-12-31)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated rule set 629 (Companies placing packaging on the Community market)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created condition 2165 (packaging_placed_on_market is_true)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] deleted condition 1800 (products contains_any)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated obligation 1272 (Properly mark packaging)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated obligation 1688 (Identify packaging material)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated obligation 1273 (Ensure compliance with essential packaging requirements)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2196 (Minimize packaging volume and weight)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2197 (Design packaging for reuse or recovery)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2198 (Minimize hazardous substances in packaging)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2199 (Ensure reusable packaging meets reuse requirements)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2200 (Enable material recycling of packaging)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2201 (Ensure packaging waste is suitable for energy recovery)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2202 (Ensure compostable packaging does not hinder composting)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated obligation 1274 (Comply with heavy-metal concentration limits)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated obligation 1275 (Provide reliable packaging data)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created obligation 2203 (Ensure biodegradable packaging decomposes appropriately)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 70 (Apply the prescribed packaging marking)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 71 (Add packaging-material identification code)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 72 (Perform packaging conformity assessment)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 73 (Measure and reduce packaging volume and weight)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 74 (Design packaging for end-of-life recovery)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 75 (Screen packaging materials for hazardous substances)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 76 (Test reusable packaging performance)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 77 (Verify packaging recovery pathway)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 78 (Test heavy-metal concentrations)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created measure 79 (Compile and submit reliable packaging data)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created penalty 299 (Prohibition on placing packaging on the market where it does not comply with all essential requirements of the Directive, including Annex II.)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated regulation link 956 (cites Directive 69/493/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] unchanged regulation link 952 (repeals Directive 85/339/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated regulation link 953 (cites Council Directive 91/689/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] unchanged regulation link 954 (cites Directive 75/442/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated regulation link 957 (cites Directive 75/442/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] updated regulation link 955 (cites Directive 83/189/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] unchanged regulation link 958 (cites Council Directive 91/692/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created regulation link 1838 (cites Directive 91/629/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created regulation link 1839 (cites Directive 91/156/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] created regulation link 1840 (cites Directive 92/400/EEC)

[INFO] [AiRegulationParser] parsed regulation 100 with 5 milestones, 1 rule sets, 13 obligations, and 1 penalties

Rule sets

Label Effective
Companies placing packaging on the Community market 1994-12-31 — 9999-12-31
Applies from milestone:
Entry into Force (1994-12-31)
Expires at milestone:
-

No conditions.

Questions this regulation asks

Attributes only this regulation asks about — criteria no general attribute expresses. A company answers each once.

This regulation asks no questions of its own — every condition uses a general attribute.

Obligations

Title Kind Rule set
Properly mark packaging Governance -
Description:
Packaging must bear appropriate marking on the packaging itself or on the label. The marking must be clearly visible, easily legible and appropriately durable and lasting, including when the packaging is opened.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging placed on the market in the Community
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Inspection of the marking on the packaging or label for visibility, legibility and durability
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Article 8(3)
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall bear the appropriate marking either on the packaging itself or on the label. It shall be clearly visible and easily legible. The marking shall be appropriately durable and lasting, including when the packaging is opened.
Ensure compliance with essential packaging requirements Governance -
Description:
Companies may place packaging on the market only if it complies with all essential requirements concerning its composition and its reusable and recoverable nature, including recyclability.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging placed on the market in the Community
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Conformity assessment against the essential requirements of the Directive, including Annex II
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Article 9(1)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall ensure that three years from the date of the entry into force of this Directive, packaging may be placed on the market only if it complies with all essential requirements defined by this Directive including Annex II.
Comply with heavy-metal concentration limits Due Diligence -
Description:
Companies must ensure that the combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium in packaging or packaging components does not exceed the applicable limits.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging and packaging components, except packaging entirely made of lead crystal glass
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Measurement and calculation of the combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium by weight
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Article 11(1)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall ensure that the sum of concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium present in packaging or packaging components shall not exceed the following: - 600 ppm by weight two years after the date referred to in Article 22 (i); - 250 ppm by weight three years after the date referred to in Article 22 (i); - 100 ppm by weight five years after the date referred to in Article 22 (i).
Provide reliable packaging data Reporting -
Description:
Companies involved in packaging and packaging waste must provide competent authorities with reliable data on their sector as required for the packaging and packaging waste information systems.
Frequency:
Event-triggered
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging, packaging waste and related material and waste flows
Checking responsibility:
Competent authorities receive the data provided by companies
Check method:
Provision of reliable sector-specific data in the formats and level of detail required by the competent authorities
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Article 12(6)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall require all economic operators involved to provide competent authorities with reliable data on their sector as required in this Article.
Identify packaging material Governance -
Description:
Packaging must indicate, for identification and classification purposes, the nature of the packaging material or materials used, using the applicable numbering system and/or abbreviation.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging placed on the market in the Community
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Inspection that the packaging identifies and classifies the packaging material used
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Article 8(2) and Annex I
Source excerpt:
To facilitate collection, reuse and recovery including recycling, packaging shall indicate for purposes of its identification and classification by the industry concerned the nature of the packaging material(s) used.
Minimize packaging volume and weight Due Diligence -
Description:
Packaging must be manufactured so that its volume and weight are limited to the minimum adequate amount needed to maintain the necessary level of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and the consumer.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging and packaged products
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Design and specification review of packaging volume and weight against safety, hygiene and product acceptance requirements
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 1, first indent
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall be so manufactured that the packaging volume and weight be limited to the minimum adequate amount to maintain the necessary level of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer.
Design packaging for reuse or recovery Governance -
Description:
Packaging must be designed, produced and commercialized to permit reuse or recovery, including recycling, and to minimize its environmental impact when packaging waste or management residues are disposed of.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Reusable and recoverable packaging, including recyclable packaging
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Design, production and commercialization review against reuse, recovery and environmental-impact criteria
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 1, second indent
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall be designed, produced and commercialized in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling, and to minimize its impact on the environment when packaging waste or residues from packaging waste management operations are disposed of.
Minimize hazardous substances in packaging Due Diligence -
Description:
Packaging must be manufactured to minimize the presence of noxious and other hazardous substances and materials, with regard to their presence in emissions, ash or leachate when packaging or related residues are incinerated or landfilled.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging materials and packaging components
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Materials and composition assessment addressing hazardous substances and disposal emissions, ash and leachate
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 1, third indent
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall be so manufactured that the presence of noxious and other hazardous substances and materials as constituents of the packaging material or of any of the packaging components is minimized with regard to their presence in emissions, ash or leachate when packaging or residues from management operations or packaging waste are incinerated or landfilled.
Ensure reusable packaging meets reuse requirements Due Diligence -
Description:
Reusable packaging must have physical properties enabling a number of trips or rotations in normally predictable conditions of use, be capable of being processed to meet workforce health and safety requirements, and meet the requirements applicable to recoverable packaging when it becomes waste.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging designed for reuse
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Testing and documented assessment of durability, safe processing and end-of-life recoverability
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 2
Source excerpt:
The following requirements must be simultaneously satisfied: - the physical properties and characteristics of the packaging shall enable a number of trips or rotations in normally predictable conditions of use, - possiblity of processing the used packaging in order to meet health and safety requirements for the workforce, - fulfil the requirements specific to recoverable packaging when the packaging is no longer reused and thus becomes waste.
Enable material recycling of packaging Governance -
Description:
Packaging intended to be recoverable through material recycling must be manufactured so that a specified percentage by weight of its materials can be recycled into marketable products in compliance with applicable Community standards.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging recoverable through material recycling
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Recyclability assessment and testing against applicable recycling standards
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 3(a)
Source excerpt:
Packaging must be manufactured in such a way as to enable the recycling of a certain percentage by weight of the materials used into the manufacture of marketable products, in compliance with current standards in the Community.
Ensure packaging waste is suitable for energy recovery Governance -
Description:
Packaging waste processed for energy recovery must have a minimum inferior calorific value that allows optimization of energy recovery.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging recoverable through energy recovery
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Calorific-value testing of packaging waste or relevant packaging specifications
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 3(b)
Source excerpt:
Packaging waste processed for the purpose of energy recovery shall have a minimum inferior calorific value to allow optimization of energy recovery.
Ensure compostable packaging does not hinder composting Governance -
Description:
Packaging waste processed for composting must be biodegradable in a way that does not hinder separate collection or the composting process or activity into which it is introduced.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Packaging waste intended for composting
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Biodegradability and process-compatibility testing for separate collection and composting
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 3(c)
Source excerpt:
Packaging waste processed for the purpose of composting shall be of such a biodegradable nature that it should not hinder the separate collection and the composting process or activity into which it is introduced.
Ensure biodegradable packaging decomposes appropriately Governance -
Description:
Biodegradable packaging waste must be capable of undergoing physical, chemical, thermal or biological decomposition so that most of the finished compost ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide, biomass and water.
Frequency:
Continuous
Check frequency:
-
Products/Services:
Biodegradable packaging waste
Checking responsibility:
-
Check method:
Decomposition and compost-outcome testing
Rule set:
-
Source reference:
Annex II, section 3(d)
Source excerpt:
Biodegradable packaging waste shall be of such a nature that it is capable of undergoing physical, chemical, thermal or biological decomposition such that most of the finished compost ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide, biomass and water.

Measures

Title Due date
Apply the prescribed packaging marking -
Description:
Place the appropriate marking on the packaging or label and verify that it remains visible, legible and durable when the packaging is opened.
Obligations:
  • Properly mark packaging
Source reference:
Article 8(3)
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall bear the appropriate marking either on the packaging itself or on the label. It shall be clearly visible and easily legible. The marking shall be appropriately durable and lasting, including when the packaging is opened.
Add packaging-material identification code -
Description:
Determine the applicable material number or abbreviation and place the identification mark in the centre of or below the graphical marking indicating the reusable or recoverable nature of the packaging.
Obligations:
  • Identify packaging material
Source reference:
Annex I
Source excerpt:
The identification marks shall appear in the centre of or below the graphical marking indicating the reusable or recoverable nature of the packaging.
Perform packaging conformity assessment -
Description:
Assess packaging design, composition, reuse and recovery characteristics against the essential requirements in the Directive and Annex II before placing it on the market.
Obligations:
  • Ensure compliance with essential packaging requirements
Source reference:
Article 9(1)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall ensure that three years from the date of the entry into force of this Directive, packaging may be placed on the market only if it complies with all essential requirements defined by this Directive including Annex II.
Measure and reduce packaging volume and weight -
Description:
Document packaging volume and weight during design and reduce them to the minimum adequate amount compatible with product safety, hygiene and acceptance.
Obligations:
  • Minimize packaging volume and weight
Source reference:
Annex II, section 1, first indent
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall be so manufactured that the packaging volume and weight be limited to the minimum adequate amount to maintain the necessary level of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer.
Design packaging for end-of-life recovery -
Description:
Use design and material specifications that enable reuse, recycling or other recovery and reduce environmental impacts from disposal.
Obligations:
  • Design packaging for reuse or recovery
Source reference:
Annex II, section 1, second indent
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall be designed, produced and commercialized in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling, and to minimize its impact on the environment when packaging waste or residues from packaging waste management operations are disposed of.
Screen packaging materials for hazardous substances -
Description:
Review packaging materials and components and eliminate or minimize noxious and hazardous substances relevant to incineration or landfill emissions, ash and leachate.
Obligations:
  • Minimize hazardous substances in packaging
Source reference:
Annex II, section 1, third indent
Source excerpt:
Packaging shall be so manufactured that the presence of noxious and other hazardous substances and materials as constituents of the packaging material or of any of the packaging components is minimized with regard to their presence in emissions, ash or leachate when packaging or residues from management operations or packaging waste are incinerated or landfilled.
Test reusable packaging performance -
Description:
Test durability, safe processing and end-of-life recoverability of reusable packaging under normally predictable conditions of use.
Obligations:
  • Ensure reusable packaging meets reuse requirements
Source reference:
Annex II, section 2
Source excerpt:
The following requirements must be simultaneously satisfied:
Verify packaging recovery pathway -
Description:
For the intended recovery route, verify material recyclability, calorific value, composting compatibility or biodegradability as applicable.
Obligations:
  • Enable material recycling of packaging
  • Ensure packaging waste is suitable for energy recovery
  • Ensure compostable packaging does not hinder composting
  • Ensure biodegradable packaging decomposes appropriately
Source reference:
Annex II, section 3
Source excerpt:
3. Requirements specific to the recoverable nature of packaging
Test heavy-metal concentrations -
Description:
Sample packaging or packaging components and measure and calculate the combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium by weight.
Obligations:
  • Comply with heavy-metal concentration limits
Source reference:
Article 11(1)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall ensure that the sum of concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium present in packaging or packaging components shall not exceed the following:
Compile and submit reliable packaging data -
Description:
Compile reliable sector-specific data on packaging and packaging waste, including the information required for the databases, and provide it to the competent authorities when required.
Obligations:
  • Provide reliable packaging data
Source reference:
Article 12(6)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall require all economic operators involved to provide competent authorities with reliable data on their sector as required in this Article.

Penalties

Description Kind Rule set
Prohibition on placing packaging on the market where it does not comply with all essential requirements of the Directive, including Annex II. Prohibition of Sales -
Responsible authority:
-
Source reference:
Article 9(1)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall ensure that three years from the date of the entry into force of this Directive, packaging may be placed on the market only if it complies with all essential requirements defined by this Directive including Annex II.

Milestones

Date Type Description
1994-12-20 Adopted Adoption of Directive 94/62/EC
Source reference:
Schlussformel
Source excerpt:
Done at Brussels, 20 December 1994.
1994-12-31 Entry into Force Entry into force on the day of publication in the Official Journal
Source reference:
Article 24
Source excerpt:
This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
1996-06-30 Transposition Deadline Deadline for implementation in national law
Source reference:
Article 22(1)
Source excerpt:
Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive before 30 June 1996. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.
1996-06-30 Repeal Repeal of Directive 85/339/EEC
Source reference:
Article 23
Source excerpt:
Directive 85/339/EEC is hereby repealed with effect from the date referred to in Article 22 (1).
2005-12-31 Other Latest permitted deadline for Greece, Ireland and Portugal to attain the recovery and recycling targets when postponement is granted
Source reference:
Article 6(5)(b)
Source excerpt:
postpone at the same time the attainment of the targets in paragraph 1 (a) and (b) to a later deadline which, however, shall not exceed 31 December 2005.

Linked regulations

Type Regulation
Cites Directive 69/493/EEC
Repeals Directive 85/339/EEC
Cites Directive 75/442/EEC
Cites Council Directive 91/692/EEC
Cites Directive 75/442/EEC
Cites Council Directive 91/689/EEC
Cites Directive 83/189/EEC
Cites Directive 91/629/EEC
Cites Directive 91/156/EEC
Cites Directive 92/400/EEC