Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations

2003 SI 1941 (current to replace 1998 regulations)

This regulation is designed to control the packaging volume and weight of products. It states that packaging should be: "Limited to a minimum adequate amount to maintain the necessary level of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer."

Any packaging should also be designed in such a way as to permit its recovery or reuse and recycling potential and reduce its level of hazardous materials to a minimum.

Packaging must be recoverable by any of the following means:

• Material recycling.
• Incineration with energy recovery.
• Composting or biodegradation.

The regulations apply to any who pack or fill packaging, put their name or logo on packaging or import packaging.

These regulations apply regardless of the quantity of product or turnover of the company.

Certain types of packaging such as plastic crates or glass can become exempt from the regulations above, provided they meet specific criteria.