New European packaging regulations for baby slings

/ 3 minutes of reading
A brown hangtag with the message "100% recycled" hangs from a cloth to represent packaging for baby slings

In February 2025, the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste regulation (PPWR) went “into force.” We have recently received several inquiries from members requesting guidance about how these new regulations affect packaging for baby slings and whether it will impact their businesses, and we will be issuing that guidance and a checklist in the coming weeks.

There is a great deal of misinformation available on the internet, and information about PPWR is no exception. This has created concerns about the timeline for compliance with this new regulation.

We want to assure our members that you will not need to change your packaging immediately. The first deadline of August 2026 applies only to food packaging. That particular requirement does not include packaging for textiles, even when the textiles will be close to the body.

How will the new law impact packaging for baby slings?

The PPWR impacts all product packaging, including packaging for baby slings, wraps, and carriers. The law introduces requirements including:

  • Limits on hazardous substances in product packaging
  • Recyclable or reusable product packaging
  • Recycled content requirements for plastic packaging
  • Harmonized packaging labels
  • Reduction of empty space inside product packaging
  • Technical evaluation and documentation of product packaging
  • Certificates of conformity for product packaging

What is the timeline for compliance?

For food packaging only, there are implementation deadlines of August 12, 2026.

The next target date for implementation is in 2028, so you have ample time to prepare your baby carrier product packaging for the changes.

Is my company required to comply?

The PPWR is sweeping in its scope. The requirements apply to all products sold in the EU and in countries that adopt EU regulations:

  • Manufacturers
  • Importers
  • Distributors
  • Authorised representatives
  • Fulfilment service providers

Basically, if you sell products into or with the EU or a related country, the law applies to you.

What if I’m a very small business?

There are references in the new regulation to various exemptions for “micro-enterprises.” We are seeking more clarity about what this might mean for our members to ensure the information we give you is up-to-date and accurate.

I operate outside the EU. Will this impact me?

There is some confusion among the experts whether the PPWR can be applied to economic operators outside the EU who ship products directly to end consumers within the EU. Another recently enacted EU law, the GPSR, can be applied in this way under certain circumstances.

Reading the law itself, it doesn’t appear there is language addressing this, but there are some well-referenced articles suggesting that businesses outside the EU may be impacted when shipping products to member states. Given this, we suggest that anyone doing business with the EU keep an eye out for our guidance.

Where can I read the updated European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation?

You can read the legislation in its entirety on the EUR-Lex website.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40

It will be easiest to read on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.

If you want to read the provisions of the law, consider using the table of contents to skip right to the “enacting terms” of the regulation.

Want to learn more about EU regulations for baby slings and carriers?

Download our FREE guide to US baby carrier compliance

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