The Packaging (essential requirements) Regulations 2003 (as amended).
Legislation has been introduced to control the design and composition of packaging. This is part of the combined efforts of industry and the Government to:
- Reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste
- Encourage recycling.
Packaging placed on the market must fulfil essential requirements. It must also be within the heavy metal concentration limits. The responsibility for this falls to people who:
- Pack or fill products into packaging
- Import packed or filled packaging into the United Kingdom.
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) produces guidance notes on the rules and requirements for packaging. The notes are available to download:
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