Shipment

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

CURRENTLY NO SHIPMENT TO COUNTRIES WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXCEPT GERMANY)

On 12th August 2026, the expanded EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has come into force, bringing with it a significantly increased bureaucratic and financial burden that is simply impossible for solo self-employed individuals like me to bear.

I would have to register separately in every single country and enter into corresponding licensing agreements with the national dual systems, while also paying minimum fees. In addition, I would need to appoint a legally authorized representative in each individual country, which would also involve considerable costs.

Since there are currently no de minimis thresholds — the requirements apply equally to corporations such as Amazon and to small businesses like mine — I have no choice but to do what many small businesses are currently announcing: as of August 12, I will, for the time being, only ship my artworks and books within Germany, and outside the EU.

It is simply beyond belief to me how something that is, in itself, a good initiative can be implemented in such an amateurish way. So much for cutting red tape.

All that remains is the hope that the parliamentarians in Brussels will reconsider and introduce appropriate exemptions.