News

The EU is planning new emergency rules for electrical equipment designed to enable faster market entry in the event of a crisis – including a time-limited presumption of conformity. However, this supposed ‘relaxation’ only applies where harmonised standards are lacking and does not alter the fundamental product compliance obligation for producers and retailers.

The industry association Flexible Packaging Europe firmly opposes any efforts to revisit or postpone the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The Packaging Regulation is set to apply in all EU countries from 12 August 2026.

From 28 May up until the PPWR deadline on 12 August 2026, you can take part in our PPWR Online Workshop Series – hosted by trade-e-bility. Across up to four compact monthly sessions, you will receive a clearly structured overview of the most important changes and how to implement them. Your VERE promo code: ppwr_vere_rabatt

VERE e.V. participated in the European Commission’s SME Panel survey on the Circular Economy Act. VERE prioritises harmonisation, simplification, digitalisation, and expanding Extended Producer Responsibility systems and has clearly stated its position on these matters.

One of the EUNR’s goals is to create a level playing field for all obligated companies in Europe. By curbing free-riding behaviour and consistently enforcing the EU Packaging Regulation across Europe, fair competition is to be ensured.

The European Commission plans to suspend the obligation to appoint an Authorised Representative under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – including for packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, and single-use plastics – until 1 January 2035. Nevertheless, the Environment Committee of the Bundesrat (German Federal Council) firmly opposes this suggestion and supports keeping the current regulation at the EU level.

VERE e.V. has taken note of ongoing discussions regarding battery deposits, maintaining its position of opposing such a system and continuing to monitor relevant developments closely.

German industry and waste management associations criticise rising bureaucracy and impractical requirements in packaging law. They are calling for a stronger focus on consumer packaging, greater planning certainty, and regulatory relief for industrial cycles. In the meantime, producers and retailers are warned of additional obligations.

The collection rate targets set by Directive 2012/19/EU are unrealistic and unsuitable for practical application. Collection volumes and rates between member states are hardly comparable and do not allow for reliable assessments of the actual performance of the circular economy.

The draft bill for the German Packaging Act Implementation Act (VerpackDG) had proposed the instalment of a central prevention organisation, which was ultimately rejected following widespread criticism. VERE also successfully lodged a protest against such an organisation, as it would have likely resulted in incurred additional costs and significant bureaucratic effort for SMEs.