05/08/2026
Wall of text:
📌 A new packaging regulation called the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) will come into force on the 12 August 2026. What I understand is that this regulation wants to control the packaging that is put on the EU market by reducing waste, make packaging more circular, easy to recycle, make it more safe...I get it.
📌 What I don’t get is why tiny businesses like mine end up at the bottom of the barrel. We are not the ones causing massive pollution. Because we are small we are actually more creative and resourceful. We reuse boxes, repurpose packaging, recycle materials out of other orders. I don’t think it’s fair that we are treated the same as these massive companies.
📌 What I mean is that under the current PPWR rules every business, also tiny businesses like mine are expected to appoint an authorized representative in EVERY EU country it’s going to sell to. Even if it’s only 1 package. If you don’t do that, it’s ILLEGAL to sell in that country. And those costs for just hiring a rep can go between 200-600 euros a year PER country. So if you do the math, you pay thousands of euros to be able to just sell to 27 EU countries (excluding your own).
📌 Not only that, in a lot of EU countries you also need to report how much packaging you are going to send to that country and you have to pay for that too. So, it all adds up. Yes, I could take the risk, but I don't want to. SO I’ve decided to suspend shipping to other EU countries even though I live in one! This is bonkers!
📌 Untill yesterday, I thought there was a glimmer of hope as a proposal was up in the air to suspend the application of the rules on the appointment of an authorised representative for micro businesses. However, the majority of the EU countries did not agree...??
📌 I can only hope this nightmare ends soon, but I just don't see it now. So much for "Buy from the EU".
🏷 Anyway, enjoy 10% off untill Aug 8th 11:59 PM CEST. Custom orders outside from Belgium will be reimbursed and therefore not sent out.
