Packaging labelling will become mandatory in Spain

In Spain, new requirements for labelling obligations for packaging will be introduced on 1 January 2025. This will affect packaging that is discarded by the end consumer in a private household. The labelling of this packaging will become mandatory for manufacturers and distributors under Royal Decree 1055/2022.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) holds manufacturers and distributors responsible

In many other EU countries, such packaging labelling is already mandatory. As part of extended producer responsibility (EPR), they are among a number of requirements that hold manufacturers and distributors of packaging responsible for the recycling of their products and packaging even after they have been sold.

Labelling requirements for packaging in Spain: what they entail   

From January 2025, all packaging that accumulates in the private households of end consumers must be labelled with pictograms in a clearly visible and legible manner. These pictograms indicate the correct disposal container in which the respective packaging components are to be disposed of.

This labelling is intended to ensure that the packaging materials are better separated during disposal by the end consumer. This is one of many legally regulated measures aimed at increasing recycling rates in Spain.

How can manufacturers and distributors prepare?  

The labelling requirements for packaging in Spain will apply from 1 January 2025. Packaging that has already been placed on the market before this date may continue to be sold on the market. New packaging may no longer be distributed after 1 January 2025 without the specified labelling.

Manufacturers and distributors should therefore start to look into the upcoming labelling requirements in Spain now in order to avoid the risk of sales bans. 

To learn more about labelling requirements in Spain, please sign up for a free Circular Pro account.