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Packaging, deforestation and phytosanitary rules.
27 editor-reviewed updates · newest first
A new Brussels-focused alliance, Wood Pallets for Europe, was announced on 17 September 2026 to give the wooden pallet sector a coordinated, evidence-based voice with EU institutions and policymakers. Founders are CJ Sheeran Group, Euroblock Verpackungsholz GmbH, Foresco, PGS Group, EPAL and Woodpack Global.
Defra updated its guidance on building an extended producer responsibility registration file for packaging, adding detail on how closed-loop packaging should be recorded in the registration file. Producers preparing registration data should check the current guidance and the published file specification before submitting.
GOV.UK updated its guidance on registering as a professional operator to trade in wood, issue plant passports and apply ISPM 15 marking. Registration and authorisation are the route by which UK wood packaging producers gain the right to heat-treat and mark pallets for export.
DG Environment published a frequently asked questions document and supporting material on implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation, following the implementation measures adopted in July 2026. Wood-derived products fall within the regulation's scope only as set out in its product annex, so operators should check the stated product scope and the published application timetable before assuming a given pallet or packaging item is covered.
Pallet reuse and rental operator Rotom published its position on preparing wooden pallets for the EU packaging regulation, covering reuse, repair and documentation. This is the company's own guidance, not regulatory advice.
Statutory guidance setting out the Recyclability Assessment Methodology for 2027 was published for obligated large producers of household packaging, covering how packaging is assessed and reported. The publication also notes that RAM version 1.1 continues to apply to 2026 reporting.
Guidance on creating a packaging-data reporting file was updated, including example files for 2026 reporting. Obligated producers compiling packaging data should work from the current template and column definitions rather than earlier versions.
PRS set out what it says the EU packaging regulation means for pooled pallet users and how its closed-pool model handles reuse and repair. Company guidance, not regulatory advice.
IPP Pooling published company guidance linking the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation to reusable transport packaging, pallets and load-carrier pooling, and describing how it says its own pooling service can support customers. This is IPP's commercial position and company guidance, not neutral regulatory advice; obligated businesses should confirm their duties against the regulation and official guidance.
DG Environment announced that the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation applies from 12 August 2026. Many of its obligations are phased in over later dates rather than becoming enforceable in full on that day, so businesses should check which requirements apply to them and when.
CHEP advises UK exporters to review how reusable pallets, containers and other transport packaging are managed as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation begins to apply. The operational guidance is CHEP’s own assessment.
The packaging EPR scheme administrator published its operational plan for 2026-27, setting out how it intends to run scheme administration, fee and payment operations, and the handling of producer liabilities across the year.
