Germany introduces new packaging rules affecting fresh produce suppliers

Germany has introduced new packaging legislation to bring its national rules in line with the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The changes affect companies supplying packaged fresh fruits and vegetables to the German market, with additional restrictions scheduled to take effect over the coming years, according to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

The new German Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) came into force on August 12, 2026, replacing the previous Packaging Act. It maintains much of Germany's existing recycling system while introducing new requirements for packaging producers, importers and distributors.

Plastic packaging restrictions from 2030

One of the main changes for the fresh produce sector concerns single-use plastic packaging.

From January 1, 2030, the EU will restrict single-use plastic packaging for pre-packed, unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. This includes certain plastic nets, bags, trays and containers.

Exceptions may be allowed where packaging is necessary to protect products from damage, moisture loss, oxidation or contamination. They may also apply when needed to keep organic and conventional products separate.

The European Commission is expected to publish further guidance on the affected products and exemptions by February 2027.

New recycling and transport requirements

The legislation also introduces changes to packaging design, recycling and reuse.

Under the EU regulation, packaging placed on the market must meet new recyclability requirements from 2030. Plastic packaging will also face minimum recycled-content requirements, with specific rules depending on the packaging category.

For Germany, recycling targets for plastic packaging waste will increase to 75% in 2028 and 80% in 2030.

New EU requirements will also affect transport packaging, including boxes, trays, pallets and plastic crates. From 2030, companies will generally have to ensure that at least 40% of covered transport packaging is reusable, subject to applicable exemptions.

What changes for fruit and vegetable exporters?

Companies supplying Germany will need to review the packaging materials and formats used for their products, particularly smaller retail packs.

Exporters and importers will also need to consider Germany's packaging registration and producer responsibility requirements. These rules help finance packaging collection and recycling, with obligations depending on the company's role in placing packaged goods on the German market.

The transition will take place in stages. While the new German legislation has applied since August 2026, several major EU requirements concerning packaging design, single-use plastics and reuse will become mandatory between 2028 and 2030.

source and photo: fas.usda.gov