Regulation (EU) 2025/40 — the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) — becomes mandatory on 12 August 2026. It replaces the old Packaging Directive with one directly binding rule across the entire EU. For Amazon FBA sellers shipping from China, Hong Kong or anywhere outside the EU, this is the most important compliance deadline of 2026.

What changes on 12 August 2026?

PPWR strengthens the rules that sit under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Every business that places packaged goods on the EU market is considered a “producer” and must:

  • Register in each relevant Member State
  • Report packaging placed on the market
  • Pay recycling fees

Amazon is already enforcing this. Missing or invalid EPR numbers can lead to listing restrictions or suspensions, especially in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.

Key facts from Amazon Seller Central (Germany)

  • You must submit valid EPR registration numbers (e.g. LUCID in Germany) via the Compliance Portal.
  • One LUCID number does not cover France or Italy — each country requires its own registration.
  • Even with Amazon FBA, you (the seller) remain responsible for compliance. Amazon only verifies.

What German sellers are worried about right now

From Amazon Seller Forums and verified discussions, common concerns include:

  • “Will Amazon suspend my listings across Pan-EU FBA if I miss one country?”
  • “How do I register in 5–9 countries without huge costs and bureaucracy?”
  • “Is my Chinese supplier’s packaging compliant, or do I need my own DoC?”
  • “What about small volumes — are there de-minimis thresholds?”
  • “How do I handle reporting of packaging weights and materials every year?”

Many small and medium sellers fear the administrative burden and risk of account restrictions, especially with Pan-European FBA.

Your 30-day action plan before the deadline

  1. Map your markets — list every EU country where you sell or store inventory via FBA.
  2. Register for EPR — start with Germany (LUCID), France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and any other active markets.
  3. Prepare your PPWR Declaration of Conformity (DoC) — one per packaging type, supported by technical documentation.
  4. Submit numbers to Amazon — upload valid EPR registrations in Seller Central before 12 August 2026.
  5. Review packaging — minimisation and recyclability rules phase in later, but basic compliance (substances, labelling) applies now.

Not sure where to start? Check Amazon’s official EPR page and the German Packaging Register (LUCID) website.

The clock is ticking. Sellers who act now avoid sudden listing blocks and keep their Pan-EU business running smoothly. Those who wait risk expensive disruptions after 12 August 2026.

Stay compliant. Stay selling.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm obligations against the official text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40, any implementing acts, and the current marketplace policies of each platform you sell on.