As of 12 August 2026, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste – the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – has become generally applicable. The Regulation replaces the previous EU regulatory framework and introduces more harmonised and stringent requirements for packaging placed on the European Union market.
The PPWR regulates the entire life cycle of packaging, from design and composition to reuse, recycling and waste management, with the aim of reducing packaging waste and increasing the use of sustainable and recycled materials.
The PPWR is particularly relevant for companies established in Serbia that export products to the EU or form part of supply chains for products placed on the EU market. Although Serbia is not an EU Member State, requirements applicable to packaging placed on the Union market may have a direct practical impact on Serbian manufacturers and exporters.
As a first step, each company should determine its role in the supply chain and identify which PPWR requirements are applicable to its products and packaging. Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, the relevant obligations may include:
- Verifying whether the packaging complies with the requirements of the PPWR;
- Preparing the required technical documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity;
- Ensuring appropriate labelling and traceability of packaging;
- Assessing applicable registration and extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations in relation to packaging waste;
- Establishing procedures for dealing with non-compliant packaging.
In addition to the above, the PPWR introduces broader requirements concerning the composition and sustainability of packaging, recyclability, minimisation of unnecessary packaging, use of recycled content, reuse, as well as certain restrictions relating to specific substances and types of packaging.
In order to facilitate the preparation of Serbian companies for the new regulatory regime, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), in cooperation with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) and with the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has launched a professional support programme, primarily intended for small and medium-sized enterprises that export, or intend to export, to the EU market.
The programme enables companies to:
- Identify the PPWR requirements applicable to their packaging;
- Assess their current level of compliance and identify any compliance gaps;
- Prepare the required technical documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity;
- Obtain guidance concerning labelling, traceability and EPR obligations;
- Establish appropriate internal procedures for dealing with cases of non-compliance.
Two practical digital tools are also available: the PPWR Data Collection File, designed for the systematic collection and organisation of packaging-related data, and the PPWR Compliance File, intended to support the assessment of compliance with the applicable requirements.
With the support of SIPPO and SECO, professional assistance and access to these tools are available to CCIS member companies free of charge, subject to mandatory registration.
Further information on the CCIS programme.
It is important to note that not all PPWR requirements become applicable at the same time; certain obligations are being introduced on a phased basis. Compliance with the new regulatory framework should therefore be regarded as a continuous process, requiring timely monitoring of applicable deadlines and corresponding adjustments to business processes.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.