MEP Peter Agius calls for suspension of European packaging regulations hampering small businesses

MEP Peter Agius has called on European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall to suspend the rules on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) that came into force on 12 August, arguing that they are increasing the bureaucratic burden on small businesses that export to or import from the European Single Market.

MEP Agius explained to the European Commissioner that he had received complaints from numerous Maltese businesses, artists and craftspeople who are concerned that the new requirements to register in every EU country will make it impossible for them to export their products to other European countries.

While welcoming the environmental objectives of the Regulation - including reducing unnecessary packaging, promoting reusable containers and improving packaging design - MEP Agius stressed that environmental progress should not come at the expense of Europe’s competitiveness or the livelihoods of small businesses.

“Many Maltese businesses selling small quantities across the Single Market are now facing registration costs that can exceed €200 in each Member State, even when their annual income from this trade is considerably lower,” Agius said.

He is calling on the European Commission to introduce a simplified emergency regime, including a temporary suspension of the obligation for traders to appoint an authorised representative in every Member State.

“We need to rebuild trust in the Single Market while safeguarding the PPWR’s environmental ambition. Europe should make it easier - not more difficult - for its smallest businesses to trade across borders,” -Agius concluded.