This Act establishes general requirements for packaging and the use of packaging, as well as measures for preventing and reducing the generation of packaging and packaging waste. It regulates the organisation of systems for the collection, recovery and recycling of packaging waste, and sets requirements for data reporting, audits, state supervision and liability. The Act applies to all packaging placed on the market in Estonia and to all packaging waste, regardless of its origin or material.
The Act defines packaging, packaging waste and related concepts, and classifies packaging according to its function, material and use. It establishes obligations for packaging undertakings, including responsibilities for the return, collection and handling of packaging and packaging waste, either individually or through recovery organisations. It also provides for restrictions on certain types of packaging and single‑use plastic products, and sets requirements for the design, production and marking of packaging.
The Act regulates the organisation of collection and recovery systems, including the roles of local authorities and recovery organisations, as well as arrangements for collection, transport and cost coverage. It further establishes economic measures such as deposit systems, requirements for record‑keeping and submission of data to the packaging register, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement. The Act sets targets for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste and provides for penalties in case of non‑compliance.