Take-away rules under the EU packaging regulation (PPWR) arrive in steps between 2027 and 2030. Cafés, restaurants and other food businesses must first fill customers’ own containers at no extra cost, then offer reusable packaging as well, unless they are micro-enterprises. Single-use plastic for eating in and most plastic portion packs are then banned.
Who is covered?
The rules apply to the hospitality sector as the EU’s statistical classification defines it: accommodation and food service. The Commission’s FAQ adds sports venues and festivals. Take-away packaging means packaging filled at the counter with drinks or ready-prepared food to be eaten somewhere else, usually straight from the pack.
When does each rule start?
| Date | Rule |
|---|---|
| 12 August 2026 | PFAS limits apply to paper, board and other food-contact take-away packaging |
| 12 February 2027 | Customers may bring their own container, at no higher price, with clear signs saying so |
| 12 February 2028 | A reusable packaging option within a reuse system, at no higher price; micro-enterprises are exempt. From 2030 businesses should aim for 10% of sales in reusable packaging |
| 12 February 2029 | Extruded polystyrene food containers and cups join the EU’s single-use plastic ban list |
| 1 January 2030 | Single-use plastic for food and drink eaten on the premises is banned. So are plastic portion packs for sauces, sugar and creamer, except with take-away food or in hospitals and care homes. Places without drinking water are exempt, and Member States may let micro-enterprises keep these formats where alternatives are not feasible |
The 2027 own-container rule has no micro-enterprise exemption. The detail on reuse shares sits in the reuse and refill answer, and the 2030 bans in the single-use formats answer.
What about hygiene?
A business that refills containers must publish its refill rules, covering the container types it accepts and the hygiene it expects. It may refuse a container that is not clean. The regulation also says businesses bear no liability for hygiene or food-safety problems caused by containers the customer brought.
What can a café or restaurant do now?
Start with test results for paper and board packaging, because the PFAS limits are already in force. Before 12 February 2027, set up the own-container process at the same price, put up the signs and write the refill rules. Before 12 February 2028, join or set up a reuse system, unless the business is a micro-enterprise. List the plastic items used for eating in, ready for 2030, and check national rules, which may apply earlier.
Where this comes from: Regulation (EU) 2025/40, Articles 3(1)(3), 3(1)(35), 5(5), 25, 28, 32, 33, 67(5), 70(4) and 71, Annex V points 3 and 4; PPWR FAQ, 2nd edition, sections XII.7 and XII.8.
More on this: EU PPWR guide · EU PPWR compliance
Reviewed by Team GreenSutra on 26 October 2026.