The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) held a meeting on October 20 to discuss compliance challenges regarding the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) with representatives from the beauty, food, and packaging sectors at the Startup Venture Campus in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The meeting was presided over by Shim Jae-yun, the Director of Global Growth Policy at MSS.
The PPWR applies to packaging for all products marketed in the European Union (EU), and this requirement extends to non-EU companies as well. Consequently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exporting to Europe must provide technical documentation proving compliance with harmful substance standards (such as heavy metals and PFAS) and an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Starting in 2030, additional requirements related to the sustainability of harmful substance compliance and the content of recycled materials will be gradually implemented. However, many SMEs are struggling with the costs of testing, analysis, and documentation due to a lack of specialized personnel and expertise.
Since April, the MSS has been providing comprehensive support for SMEs in responding to the PPWR, including training, diagnostics, testing evaluations, documentation preparation, and the appointment of EU representatives. Under a strategic support initiative aimed at obtaining foreign certification, the MSS is offering to subsidize 50-70% of costs (up to 100 million KRW) for certification, testing, and consulting related to the European PPWR. SMEs needing to comply with the PPWR can apply for participation in the ongoing strategic support until November 30.
This meeting was organized to gather insights from exporting SMEs about the challenges they face under the PPWR and to discuss government support measures. Around 10 representatives from SMEs in the beauty and food consumer goods sectors, as well as packaging industry experts, attended, and the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR) shared key insights regarding the PPWR and current compliance status.
Participants highlighted several challenges, including difficulties in obtaining information on harmful substances from packaging suppliers, the financial burden of testing and analysis for specific products, and the challenges of preparing English technical documentation and DoC.
In response, the MSS plans to continuously gather feedback from exporting SMEs and provide information through a series of 'PPWR Training and Consultation Sessions' from November 16 to 25, which will take place in five regions nationwide. These sessions aim to introduce key aspects of the PPWR and facilitate one-on-one consultations with experts.
Shim Jae-yun emphasized, “The PPWR is becoming a prerequisite for entering the European market, rather than just an environmental regulation.” He added that efforts would be enhanced based on feedback from the field to provide cost support and education to ensure that our SMEs do not face obstacles in exports due to packaging regulations.
