When do the new rules take effect?

PPWR enforcement begins on August 12, 2026, while your first CBAM certificate submission is due by May 31, 2027.

Do these rules apply to Amazon or dropshipping sellers?

Yes. Starting in 2026, every product entering the EU must meet CBAM, PPWR, and EPR requirements.

Can small shipments avoid this?

Only for a short time. The EU is reviewing de minimis exemptions, but Amazon already enforces full compliance.

What if my factory paid a carbon tax in China?

You can offset that payment if it is verified under China’s ETS and properly documented for CBAM reporting.

EU Import Compliance 2025 – The Final Countdown

If your company manufactures or sources products in China for the European Union, now is the time to pay attention. The countdown has already begun, and time is running out.

We are entering the final quarter of 2025, which means this is your last chance to prepare before the EU begins full enforcement of its new sustainability regulations in January 2026. From that point, shipments arriving without verified data, unclear “green” claims, or non-compliant packaging could be stopped at customs.

This is not a distant plan or a future idea. It is already happening. If you export to the EU, this is your final opportunity to act.

1. What’s Changing and Why It Matters

The European Green Deal is no longer just a political vision. It is reshaping global trade by creating a low-carbon, fully traceable economy. Every product entering the European market must now meet strict environmental and transparency standards.

Timeline

2024–2025: Preparation and voluntary reporting.
Q4 2025: Final setup phase, including packaging, data, and EPR registration.
2026 onward: Enforcement begins. Non-compliant shipments may be blocked or fined.

2. CBAM – Europe’s Carbon Border Tax

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) ensures imported goods pay the same carbon price as those produced inside the EU. It applies to steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity.

Key dates

2024–2025: Reporting phase.
2026: Payment phase begins.
May 31, 2027: First full CBAM declaration due for 2026 emissions.

If your supplier in Ningbo or Shenzhen cannot provide verified emission data, your shipment may face customs delays.

If your Chinese supplier already paid a domestic carbon tax under China’s ETS, you may offset that cost against your CBAM payment — but only if it is clearly documented and verified.

3. PPWR – The New Packaging Law (Enforcement Begins August 2026)

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) officially entered into force in August 2024. Full enforcement of recyclability, labeling, and design-for-reuse rules begins in August 2026. By that date, all packaging for EU exports must already be tested and certified as recyclable. A full ban on non-recyclable packaging takes effect by 2030.

What’s banned

More than 30% empty space without a technical reason.
Mixed or non-recyclable materials.
“Eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” claims without verified third-party certification.

🚫 Greenwashing Alert: False or vague environmental claims can result in fines of up to 4% of annual revenue.

By verifying your packaging and claims early, you protect your business and build trust with customers who care about sustainability.

Example: One Tiroflx client reduced shipping volume by 14% just by adjusting box dimensions, saving both cost and emissions.

4. EPR – Extended Producer Responsibility

Every importer selling into the EU must take responsibility for their packaging waste through the EPR system. This requires registering and reporting packaging materials used for products sold in Europe.

Each EU country has its own registry, such as LUCID in Germany and ADEME in France. Failure to register can lead to blocked imports and fines of up to €100,000.

Action: Use Q4 2025 to complete registration and collect the correct supplier data for your reports.

5. The China Challenge – From Collecting to Verifying Data

Most factories in China are not yet ready for what is coming. A simple “yes, we are green” email is not enough. The challenge is verifying and formatting data for EU’s digital systems (CBAM, EPR, DPP).

You will need proof such as energy records, certificates, and test reports. All systems connect to official EU databases. Only verified, structured data can be uploaded — screenshots or PDFs are no longer accepted.

Tiroflx helps by training factories, auditing their data, and preparing compliant files ready for EU submission.

6. DPP – Digital Product Passport (2026–2030 Rollout)

The DPP assigns each product a QR code linking to verified data such as materials, recyclability, and carbon footprint.

Implementation timeline

2026–2027: Batteries and industrial electronics.
2028–2029: Textiles and furniture.
By 2030: Most consumer goods.

Tip: Start organizing your product data now to avoid being locked out of the EU market later.

7. ESG and CSRD – The Buyer’s Perspective

Large European buyers will soon require verified ESG data from suppliers. Under CSRD, EU companies must publish annual sustainability reports that include verified data from their supply chain.

Factories that can show energy efficiency, fair labor, and traceable materials will gain a competitive edge. Tiroflx helps Chinese factories set up monitoring systems to reduce waste and meet buyer expectations.

8. Batteries, REACH, and RoHS – Easy to Miss, Costly to Ignore

Products with batteries must have QR-code traceability showing composition and recycling process. Electronics must comply with REACH (hazardous chemicals) and RoHS (restricted heavy metals).

Missing documentation can cause border rejections as early as 2026.

9. What You Should Do Right Now

Checklist for Q4 2025:

Collect and verify factory data on energy, materials, and emissions.
Update packaging to meet recyclability and labeling standards.
Register for EPR in every EU country where you sell.
Prepare product data for the Digital Product Passport.
Audit suppliers and keep verified documentation.
Train your team on CBAM and PPWR basics.

10. Amazon Sellers and Dropshippers – No More Loopholes

If you sell through Amazon FBA, eBay, or dropshipping, you are included. From 2026, enforcement applies to the product itself, not just the importer.

Even small shipments must meet CBAM, PPWR, and EPR standards. Amazon already requires EPR registration in Germany and France, and EU-wide enforcement is coming by 2026.

Make sure suppliers provide verified emissions and material data.
Use recyclable packaging with EU labeling.
Keep your EPR registration active in Seller Central.

Tiroflx supports sellers by connecting them with compliant factories and providing regulation-proof packaging.

11. How Tiroflx Can Help

We speak both languages — EU compliance and Chinese manufacturing. Our team helps you:

Explain EU rules to your suppliers.
Run factory audits before the end of the quarter.
Collect CBAM, EPR, and REACH data in approved formats.
Build Digital Product Passport files for 2026.
Source from verified, compliant factories.

Don’t wait until your goods are detained at the port. Talk to us today to get your custom compliance checklist within 24 hours.

12. The Bottom Line

Europe’s green transition is not a future goal; it is already here. August 2026 is approaching quickly, and Q4 2025 is your last chance to prepare.

Sending one email to your supplier today can save you months of delays next year. Act now, stay compliant, and keep your products moving smoothly into the European market.