Selling across borders? Packaging rules differ. Here’s a short tour of what to know before your first international shipment.
Research Regional Requirements
- European Union: The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive sets recyclability and material standards. Member countries add their own rules on top.
- United States: Varies by state. California and New York have plastic bag bans; labeling is governed at the federal level.
Understand Material Restrictions
- Canada and India have implemented bans on single-use plastics.
- EU limits certain plastic types and requires labeling for compostability claims.
Comply with Labeling and Safety Standards
- Language requirements (EU mandates local-language labeling).
- Safety warnings for anything that could suffocate or choke.
- Country of origin disclosures.
Factor in Sustainability Mandates
- China’s Green Packaging standards require reduced plastic in certain categories.
- UK Plastic Packaging Tax adds cost to packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
Plan for Logistics and Costs
International freight is a different game. Consolidating shipments, choosing the right incoterms, and factoring in duties all add up.
Stay Updated
Regulations change often. The UK Plastic Packaging Tax, Brazil recycling laws, and ongoing EU directives mean “set it and forget it” doesn’t work. Build a compliance review into your annual cadence.
We ship across the US and work with distributors internationally. If you’re scaling into a new market and need packaging that meets local rules, get in touch.