Danish firms fear fines over new EU packaging rules

Danish businesses are expressing concern over potential fines as new European Union regulations on packaging come into force on Wednesday. Dansk Industri, the Confederation of Danish Industry, is calling on authorities to adopt a more lenient approach, emphasizing guidance over penalties during the initial year of implementation.

Emil Fannikke Kiær, business and membership director at Dansk Industri, highlighted the tight timeline for compliance. He noted that the EU's guidance on interpreting the rules was only released on Monday, just nine days before the regulations take effect. "Companies have had very little time to comply with the rules. It simply cannot be done when you consider how complex it is," Kiær stated.

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Companies have had very little time to comply with the rules. It simply cannot be done when you consider how complex it is.

Consequently, Dansk Industri is advocating for Danish authorities to treat the initial year as an educational phase. "We simply need to try to understand the rules and create some clarity about what the rules actually entail. And we would, of course, recommend that the authorities do not start by issuing fines," the director added.

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We simply need to try to understand the rules and create some clarity about what the rules actually entail. And we would, of course, recommend that the authorities do not start by issuing fines.

The new EU rules mandate that companies must be able to document all types of packaging. They also introduce new definitions for actors within the value chain, such as manufacturers, importers, and distributors, with a company's responsibilities varying based on its role. Additionally, a limit for PFAS in materials that come into contact with food will be established.

Kiær acknowledged that companies had some ability to prepare before the guidance was issued. However, he pointed out that the guidance clarifies crucial details, such as how to differentiate between various packaging types and define a company's role. "Many definitions have only been clarified with the guidance. I would even say that they are not 100 percent clear, so there are still plenty of questions," he said. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for enforcing the new regulations in Denmark. Kiær dismissed concerns that a softer approach to fines would slow down implementation, asserting that most companies are structured to comply with regulations regardless.

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Many definitions have only been clarified with the guidance. I would even say that they are not 100 percent clear, so there are still plenty of questions.