Start-ups in Estonia have been a trend for years. But what about the packaging act in Estonia? What do entrepreneurs have to consider here?
Which packaging act applies to Estonian companies?
Basically, it is important that in D2C (direct-to-consumer) trade the packaging act of the respective destination country is decisive. Within the EU, each member state has its own packaging act.
So if you set up a company in Estonia to sell goods in Estonia, you must comply with Estonian packaging act. If, on the other hand, you have founded your start-up in Estonia in order to sell on Amazon.de, for example, the German Packaging Act actually applies to you.
Since many online retailers in particular set up their company in Estonia but do business in Germany, e.g. via Amazon FBA, this is important to know. For Amazon.de, Amazon, as well as other marketplaces in Germany, has recently started checking the LUCID registration in the packaging register.
What applies to online retailers delivering to Estonia?
If you are a non-Estonian company and deliver via online trade to end consumers in Estonia, the Estonian Packaging Act also applies to you. In principle, you have the same obligations as an Estonian company selling in Estonia.
In general, producers and traders – i.e. all those who bring packaged products to the Estonian market – must participate in a take-back system in Estonia, for which they need an authorised representative. Since 2023, there are no longer any exceptions for distributors of small quantities, as the minimum quantities no longer apply.
If you are unsure what applies to you and where to find appropriate take-back systems, our country pack is just right for you. We offer the appropriate guide with recommended take-back systems:
Changes in the Estonian Packaging Act
In addition to stricter recycling quotas, the revised law primarily provides for the following obligations:
- Various types of packaging must be reported in the Estonian Packaging Register. This includes the amount of reusable packaging and packaging with environmentally harmful contents.
- Metals must in future be subdivided into ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals.
- Quantity declarations of 20 tonnes or more of packaging waste per year in Estonia must be audited
- Foreign companies without Estonian branches must appoint an Authorised Representative in Estonia
Mandatory labelling for recycling as in Italy or other EU Member States is currently not foreseen in Estonia.
In our digital advisory service, we keep our clients up to date on all future changes.
Since most Estonian start-ups trade across Europe, they also have to comply with the laws of the other EU states. With our Europe package, we provide you with ideal and individual advice with the help of digital guides on all countries:
More interesting articles for you:
Packaging register in the EU: In these 5 countries it’s required
The German packaging register LUCID: How to register & navigate LUCID