The European Council has approved a postponement of new chemical packaging and labelling rules to January 2028, giving businesses more time to comply. This delay under the Omnibus VI package aims to reduce administrative burdens, especially for SMEs, while maintaining safety standards. Overseas chemical buyers should monitor these changes to ensure supply-chain compliance.
Regulatory postponement details
The European Council has approved plans to postpone rules on the labelling and packaging of chemicals to January 2028, as part of Regulation (EU) 2024/2865 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. The move is intended to give businesses more time and legal certainty when implementing changes. The original deadlines of July 2026 and January 2027 were feared to cause significant burden for relevant parties, especially SMEs.
Key packaging and labelling requirements
The regulation details specific requirements for chemical packaging, including the layer of packaging a label can legally be attached to, necessary font size, colour, and distance of a label, all without compromising the transition into recycled materials. It also covers permitted placement of digital labels where applicable, and the use of fold-out labels only if a pack’s shape, form, or size prevents a traditional alternative.
Industry and political context
“The EU’s chemical sector is a cornerstone of Europe’s economy, driving innovation, growth and thousands of high-value jobs across the internal market,” commented Marie Bjerre, minister for European Affairs of Denmark. “With today’s stop-the-clock-adoption, we ensure time and legal certainty for businesses while we make the necessary simplifications that will strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and maintain high standards of safety.”
What buyers should watch
Overseas chemical buyers exporting to the EU should prepare for the new labelling and packaging requirements by January 2028. The delay provides additional time to adapt supply chains, but companies should begin reviewing packaging designs, label formats, and digital labelling options now. SMEs may benefit from the extended timeline to reduce compliance costs.
Related regulatory developments
The European Parliament has commenced a second reading of Regulation 2023/0373(COD), aiming to establish a mandatory methodology for measuring pellet losses across the supply chain, targeting a 54-74% reduction. Additionally, an open letter from Nestlé, Mars Wrigley, Ferrero, and Tony’s Chocolonely urges the Commission not to postpone the EU Deforestation Regulation again, warning of risks to forest preservation and regulatory trust.
Source: Read the original report | Published: November 17, 2025