The Korea International Trade Association (KITA), led by Chairman Yoon Jin-sik, has announced the launch of the 'PPWR Comprehensive Support Package' aimed at providing one-stop assistance for export firms in light of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The initiative also includes the establishment of a task force (TF) consisting of domestic and international experts to enhance the effectiveness of the support offered to businesses.
The PPWR is a regulation implemented to curb excessive packaging waste within the EU and to promote recycling, officially taking effect in August. This regulation restricts the use of packaging materials containing hazardous substances and heavy metals beyond specified limits for products exported to the EU. From 2030, all products will be required to meet mandatory recycling criteria for their packaging.
All products using packaging materials are subject to the PPWR, thereby affecting virtually every export company in the EU. Businesses are required to have a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and Technical Documentation (TD) for their packaging materials; however, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges in understanding regulatory information and completing necessary documentation.
In anticipation of the regulation’s enforcement, KITA has already published PPWR guidelines and FAQ reports, and conducted webinars since July to assist companies in understanding these regulations. Moreover, since August, the association has been conducting surveys among export firms to identify challenges on the ground. The newly launched package seeks to expand support services, including practical education tailored to specific industries, on-site consulting, and continuous advisory services, to empower SMEs in effectively responding to the PPWR.
In the first week of November, KITA plans to conduct specialized practical training in three sessions for 200 participants from industries expected to be significantly impacted, such as cosmetics and food. Additionally, qualified consultants will visit companies requiring packaging inspections to assess compliance with regulations and assist in the preparation of essential documents, enabling firms to accurately grasp regulatory requirements and bolster their self-sufficiency in compliance efforts.
KITA aims to strengthen ongoing support systems to help businesses continuously adapt to regulatory changes. This will include the creation and distribution of practical guidebooks and providing ongoing consultations related to regulations through ESG specialists in their Trade Pro service. The new task force will continually monitor the latest regulatory developments and industry challenges, ensuring swift integration of these insights into KITA’s support programs to establish a responsive support framework that meets businesses' needs.
Jeong Hee-cheol, Head of KITA's Trade Promotion Division, stated, “As EU environmental regulations tighten, the administrative and cost burdens on export sites are increasing. Through this package, we aim to actively support our companies in building their capabilities to respond to these regulations independently.”
