Heavy metals in packaging materials
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive embodies rules on restrictions concerning certain heavy metals found in packaging and packaging waste. These rules imply that the amount of lead, cadmium and hexavalent chromium must not exceed certain concentration limits.
You will find the latest consolidated version of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive from 2018- 07-04 below. Consolidation means that the original legal act and all subsequent amendments and corrections have been brought together in a single document
Amendments and Corrections
There are no amendments or corrections that are not included in the latest consolidated text of the Directive above.
Find legal acts in EUR-lex
All legal acts are published in the Official Journal of the European Union in EUR-Lex, the online portal to EU law.
Implemented through Swedish legislation
An EU Directive must be implemented into Swedish legislation, by law, ordinance or regulations, in order for the rules to apply in Sweden. The provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive have been implemented into Swedish law by:
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive at other Swedish authorities
The directive also includes provisions on disposal and recovery of wastes. Find out more on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency website (in Swedish)
External link.
The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
The EU-Commission has adopted a new Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste. The regulation applies from 12 August 2026 and will then replace the existing Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.