Pakete ins Ausland: EU-Staaten wollen Ausnahme bei umstrittener Verpackungsregel

EU nations are seeking to exempt European companies from a contentious rule requiring them to appoint a representative in each EU country where they sell goods. Since August, EU companies have been mandated to assign a representative to ensure they bear the costs associated with disposing of packaging waste. The EU states aim to make this obligation apply to European manufacturers only when they transport at least one tonne of packaging waste per calendar year within a given country.

This move intends to alleviate the disproportionate burden on small packaging manufacturers. However, companies based outside the EU will not face any changes. If a manufacturer breaches its obligations, the exemption may no longer apply to them. In response, the EU Parliament has expressed its willingness to discuss exceptions for small companies.

The threshold for small enterprises is considered to be those with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover below 10 million euros, or a balance sheet total under 10 million euros. A change can only take effect if both the EU institutions agree. The EU Commission had already proposed in December 2025 to exempt European manufacturers from the representative requirement.

Germany also intends to refrain from imposing fines for non-compliance until February 2027. Despite the controversy surrounding the rules, they may also affect small traders who send individual orders abroad. Several small traders have voiced their frustration on social media platforms in the summer and announced that they will send goods to fewer countries in the future.