Seller Centre

EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) seeks to create more consistent rules across the EU for packaging and packaging waste.

 

PPWR applies to all packaging or packaged products placed on the EU market. This includes most forms of packaging.

 

 

What this means for you

Starting 12 August 2026, if you’re considered a packaging producer for goods sold into EU markets, you’ll need to provide EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) packaging registration numbers for your product packaging (including shipping materials). This includes domestic and cross-border sales and also applies to producers shipping into the EU from other countries.


If you are not established in an EU Member State where you sell packaged goods directly to end users, you may need to appoint an authorised representative in that Member State.


See below for more details about who qualifies as a producer and what you can do to prepare for PPWR. 

 

 

Who qualifies as a producer?

Producer status depends on your role, where you’re established, where the buyer is located and who first makes the packaged product available in that country.


You may be considered a producer if you:

  • Are the person to make packaged goods available for the first time in a specific EU country
  • Sell packaged goods directly into an EU country from another country
  • Import packaged goods into an EU country and sell them there
  • Unpack or repack products before they reach the end user


You can complete a free Obligation Check with our partner Lizenzero in just a few minutes to better understand:

  • Whether obligations may apply
  • In which countries registrations may be required
  • Whether an authorised representative may be needed

 

What you need to do now

  • Get familiar with the law by reviewing the EU regulation to understand your obligations as a seller.
  • Determine if you’re a producer in any country you sell in. Our experienced partners at Lizenzero provide a free status check.
  • Arrange EPR packaging registration in each EU country where you’re considered a packaging producer. Registration requirements and processes may vary by country.
  • Prepare to add your EPR packaging registration numbers. After the new packaging requirements take effect, we’ll be required to collect these numbers and ask you to self-certify your compliance. We recommend checking that your registration information is accurate and up to date.


If you don’t provide packaging EPR packaging registration numbers where required, your listings may be hidden to buyers in those countries.


Registration can take several weeks and processes may differ by country. eBay has partnered with Lizenzero, a packaging compliance provider that can help you understand and manage packaging EPR obligations across multiple countries.


Lizenzero offers a free obligation check. They can also provide paid support for registration, authorised representative services, reporting and ongoing packaging compliance.


Visit Lizenzero to learn more.

FAQs

  • Do I need to register in every EU country?

    You need to register in any EU Member State you sell into, where you’re considered a packaging producer. Producer status is assessed by each country individually, so you may be considered a producer in some countries and not others.

  • What is a producer?

    A producer is generally the person who first makes packaging or packaged products available in a specific EU Member State. If you’re considered a packaging producer, you’ll need to meet the applicable packaging EPR requirements in that country, which may include registration, reporting, and paying applicable fees.

  • What is an authorised representative?

    An authorised representative is a person or business established in an EU Member State and appointed to carry out certain compliance tasks on behalf of another business.

  • What if I already have a LUCID or France ID?

    Existing registration numbers, such as LUCID numbers in Germany or French packaging registration numbers, are still valid and any you’ve already added to your account will be applied automatically once the new packaging registration fields are available. Please check that your information is accurate and up to date. If you sell as a packaging producer in other EU countries, follow the steps above to be compliant.

  • Does this apply to cross-border sales?

    Yes, this regulation can apply to cross-border sales. If you sell packaged goods from one country into an EU Member State, you may be considered a producer in the destination country, depending on your role, where your business is established and the applicable local rules.

  • Does this apply to used goods?

    Yes, PPWR can apply to packaging used for selling used goods. The regulation focuses on packaging, not whether the item itself is new or used. If you sell used goods with product packaging, shipping materials or other packaging, packaging obligations may apply.