Packaging regulations in Europe are evolving very fast; the rules have changed dynamically if you’re sourcing from China. Following August 12, 2026, when the previous directive became outdated, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took effect. This means that not your Chinese supplier, but importers like you, are now legally responsible for ensuring packaging compliance
This proved to be a wake-up call for many European brands but also an opportunity as well. Even when shipping custom packaging from China, there is the ability to get great value, quality, and speed with the right partner.
What the New Rules Mean for Importers
The PPWR specifically demands that all packaging that is placed in the EU markets be recycled by 2030. This means that packaging that does not meet the minimum standards of recyclability may be banned. The regulation also states restrictions on void space inside boxes. PFAS chemicals have already been banned in packaging that comes into contact with food as of August 2026.
As for importers, you must ensure the manufacturer completes a conformity assessment, technical documentation is compiled, the EU Declaration of Conformity is obtained, and your name and address must appear on the packaging. You must retain documentation for five years for single-use packaging.
Since you will be putting your label on the packaging, you become a manufacturer as per Article 2, and this entails more obligations.
Step-by-Step Guide for Importing Custom Packaging from China to Europe
Be clear about your specifications right from the beginning
You should make your requirements for materials clear, including asking for “FSC-certified board,””eco-friendly packaging“, and “water-based inks.” You need to ask for certification in writing, including ISO 9001, FSC, BSCI, and REACH.
Vet Your Supplier for EU Compliance
A certificate alone is not sufficient; request material data sheets and recyclability documentation. The supplier must connect it to your finished packaging type.
Plan for lead time in advance
Production mostly takes around 2 to 4 weeks; sea freight adds and makes it 25 to 45 days. Chinese New Year shutdowns can sometimes cause further delays; the total lead time can reach up to 6 to 10 weeks.
Select an Appropriate Shipping Mode
Delivery by express courier takes 3 to 5 days; air freight takes 5 to 7 days. Delivery by rail takes 15 to 22 days. Delivery by sea takes 30 to 45 days. Sea freight provides the highest cost-efficiency for bulk packaging.
Customs Clearance
An EORI number, commercial invoices, packing lists, and compliance declarations are needed. As of July 2026, even small parcels will incur €3 in customs duty. For B2C parcels below €150, IOSS handles VAT.
Register Under EPR
You are obliged to register under Extended Producer Responsibility in each EU member state where you sell your products. Ger VerpackG requires LUCID registration. France operates differently. Each country has its own set of rules.
Why Yiruixing Packaging Is Unique
Most Chinese packaging vendors can manufacture boxes. But few of them understand European compliance requirements. Yiruixing Packaging is an exception.
Yiruixing Packaging has expanded our operations in Germany and France to cater to European brands. Our packaging products are engineered to meet Europe’s quality standards and environmental requirements. Our packaging products are made of FSC-certified paper and recyclable materials.
Not only do we transport boxes, but we also ship compliance. The products comply with REACH and RoHS chemical restrictions. Our products comply with food-contact material restrictions. The products comply with labeling and traceability standards. We supply material composition certificates. We supply SGS ink migration test reports. Structural optimization is our way to minimize the packaging weight and cost.
With our local fulfilment centers in Europe, advanced customs management systems, and reduced lead times, we have developed a logistics chain that was built for European importers. With 14 years of experience, an independent R&D department, and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, we are the go-to company for those brands that will accept nothing less than excellence.
Ready to Import Customized Packaging from China without Compliance Troubles?
No need to work with non-specialized vendors that don’t understand European legislation. Yiruixing Packaging provides customized and professionally produced packaging for your products that complies with European market requirements.
Get in touch with us right now to discuss your packaging needs. We will offer you a free consultation, sample prototyping, and a compliance checklist specific to your product category.
Protect your products and business with the packaging you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is registration of EPR mandatory in all countries within the European Union?
Yes. You need to register for EPR in every country where your sales happen. In Germany (LUCID), France, etc., there are separate systems.
Q: What kind of certificates must be issued by my Chinese supplier?
Minimum set: ISO 9001, FSC, BSCI, and REACH compliance certificate. Also ask for material sheets in case of packaging in contact with food or cosmetics.
Q: How long will delivery be from China to Europe?
Sea – 25-45 days, rail – 15-22 days, air – 5-7 days, express – 3-5 days. Plus 2-4 weeks of production time.
Q: Whose responsibility is packaging compliance?
Yours as the EU importer. The PPWR holds a legally liable entity that puts packaging on the EU market. If you sell your own brand, you can be considered a manufacturer with stricter requirements.
Q: Can Yiruixing issue documents related to compliance?
Yes. We offer inputs for the EU Declaration of Conformity, technical documentation support, material composition certificates, and SGS reports.
