The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 1994 aims to prevent or reduce the impact of packaging and packaging waste on the environment. The Directive covers all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of the material used and whether it is used or released at industrial, commercial, office, shop, service, household or any other level. It also includes essential requirements on the composition and the reusable and recoverable (including recyclable) nature of packaging in order to ensure uniformity across the EU Single Market.
UK law requires that all packaging meet the requirements of the Directive and specifically the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations, first published in 1998 and subsequently .revised and amended, provided the enforcement measures for the Essential Requirements of the Directive, A series of European Standards has been developed to provide a means of compliance. Purchasers of packaging can ensure that they and their packaging suppliers meet the requirements of the Regulations by specifying that the requirements of the relevant standards are met.
Click here for frequently asked questions about the Directive.
Follow the links below for more details information on:
See all packaging related standards and products
BS EN 13427 is the umbrella document for packaging standards. it shows the relationship between the essential requirements of the directive and the five mandated standarsof BS EN 13428, BS EN 13429, BS EN 13430, BS EN 13431 and BS EN 13432.
 BS EN 13428:2004
Packaging. Requirements specific to manufacturing and composition. Prevention by source reduction |
BS EN 14375:2003
Child-resistant non-reclosable packaging for pharmaceutical products. Requirements and testing |
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DD 264:2007
Packaging. Braille and other formats for medicinal products |
BS 1133-8:1991
Packaging code. Wooden boxes, cases and crates |
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