New EU Packaging Regulation Prompts Some Businesses to Cease Shipments to Member States

A new EU regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, effective August 12, 2026, requires sellers to register with national take-back systems and potentially appoint local representatives in each EU destination country. The substantial compliance costs associated with these mandates are causing some businesses to stop shipping orders to EU member states, impacting cross-border commerce.