19/08/2026
Sorry, not the news you might expect...
There is something of a bureaucratic mess at play at the moment and it's a major problem for many small businesses shipping to countries within the EU. You have probably already heard about it from several small businesses.�It concerns the new EU regulation, the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), or the law on packaging and packaging waste within the EU.��
Let me be clear, I am an absolute advocate of recycling packaging and generating as little waste as possible, but this law is designed in such a way that it does not take small businesses into account and is only workable for shipping within the EU if you are a large company like Zalando, Bol, or Amazon.��
Every company must register separately in each EU country and indicate the type of packaging material used and the weight of that packaging. Every sticker with your logo, plastic bag around your needle, and label tag attached to your thread is considered packaging and falls into a specific recycling category, which you must request from your supplier. Additionally, you must maintain detailed records of the total kilograms of packaging material you will be shipping for each country separately. You must also file a packaging declaration if you import items (such as thread).��
For small businesses, in addition to the administration mentioned above, there are also annual costs that must be paid separately in each EU country. Furthermore, the rule requiring an authorized representative in each EU country for this purpose is not feasible for small players. I am aware that several authorities are already seeking more clarity regarding certain aspects, so I hope that adjustments will follow.��
Until there is more clarity for small businesses like me and many others, you can unfortunately only order if the shipping address is in the Netherlands or if you pick up your order in Arnhem (or at a trade fair).��
I'm realy sorry and hope that an exception for small businesses will be introduced soon. You can, of course, always send me an email ([email protected]) or call me for more information, maybe we can work out a solution until this chaos has settled.
For now please send below Dutch petition.
https://www.petities.nl/petitions/stop-de-verpakkingsbureaucratie-voor-kleine-ondernemers