EU Packaging Rules for Sellers (PPWR)

What the PPWR means if you ship artworks to collectors in the EU.

Since 12 August 2026, a new EU law called the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has applied across the European Union. It aims to reduce packaging waste, and it applies to you if you ship artworks to collectors in another EU country.

1. What is the PPWR?

The PPWR covers the packaging used to send products, including the materials that protect your artworks in transit: boxes, crates, bubble wrap, foam, protective paper, and tape.

As the person packing and sending the artwork, you're responsible for that packaging in the country it's sent to. This means registering in that country and paying a contribution towards recycling.

2. Does it apply to me?

If you're based outside the EU (for example, in the UK, the US, or Switzerland) and ship artworks to collectors in the EU, the rules apply to you.

If you're based in the EU and ship artworks to collectors in another EU country, the rules apply to you in that country.

If you only sell within your own country, you're covered by your country's existing packaging rules.

3. What do I need to do?

For each EU country you ship to, you need to:

• Register with that country's packaging scheme.
• Appoint an authorised representative in that country, if you aren't based there. This is a local person or company who handles the paperwork for you.
• Report the type and weight of packaging you've sent.
• Pay a recycling contribution, based on the materials and quantity of packaging.

Each country runs its own scheme, so registering in one doesn't cover another.

The EU is currently reviewing whether sellers based in the EU will still need an authorised representative in other EU countries. Until any change is confirmed, the requirement above applies.

4. Are you shipping to France?

France requires an authorised representative for any seller not based in France, including sellers in other EU countries. Registered sellers receive a unique identification number (IDU) issued by ADEME, the French environment agency, through its SYDEREP producer register.

5. What resources are available to me?

• European Commission: Packaging waste: the Commission's official overview of the rules, with guidance and key dates.
• EUR-Lex summary of the PPWR: a plain-language summary of the regulation.
• Full text of the PPWR: the complete regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40.
• The packaging scheme or register in the country you're shipping to.
• A specialist EPR compliance provider, who can act as your authorised representative and manage registrations across several countries.

This article is for general information and isn't legal advice. If you're unsure about your situation, please speak to a compliance specialist.