Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2025/40, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Applies from
12 August 2028, or 24 months after the Art. 12(6) or 12(7) acts, whichever is later
Binds
Manufacturers, importers, distributors
Evidence
LOCKED read in the EUR-Lex text
What it requires
The harmonized material-composition sorting label. Art. 12(1) reads from 12 August 2028 or 24 months from the entry into force of the implementing acts adopted under paragraphs 6 or 7, whichever is the latest, so it is two acts, not one, and 2028 is a floor rather than a fixed date. The Art. 12 act was statutorily due 12 August 2026 and has not been adopted. Transport packaging and packaging in a deposit return system are outside the obligation, except e-commerce packaging. Art. 12(8) is the provision that ends the standalone Green Dot.
This is a plain-English summary for planning, not legal advice, and it is not a substitute for the text. Read Article 12 in full at EUR-Lex, and verify against the Official Journal before any compliance decision.