The European Union (EU) is set to enforce a new regulation on packaging and packaging waste, effective August 12, 2026, affecting both internal production and imports. This follows the earlier implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which began its transitional phase in October 2023 and is set to be fully applied by 2026.
According to the European Commission, the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce packaging waste by 15% per capita by 2040 compared to 2018 levels, and to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030. The regulation includes requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging and restrictions on certain single-use packaging formats.
For Moroccan exporters, particularly in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing, this adds another layer of compliance costs. Morocco exported approximately β¬8.5 billion worth of goods to the EU in 2025, with key products including tomatoes, citrus fruits, and automotive components, all of which rely heavily on packaging.
Industry experts warn that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Morocco may struggle to adapt to the new standards, potentially losing market share to competitors from other regions. The Moroccan government has not yet announced specific support measures for exporters, but trade negotiations are ongoing.
The PPWR is part of the EU's broader Green Deal strategy, which includes CBAM and other environmental regulations. The European Commission estimates that the regulation could save β¬6.4 billion in waste management costs across the EU by 2030.
