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.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is implemented in Swedish legislation by the Prohibition in Certain Cases in Connection with the Handling, Import and Export of Chemical Products Ordinance (1998:944). External link.

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.

Last published 12 June 2023