EU PPWR and Packaging Tape: What Importers Need to Know About PFAS and Heavy Metal Limits

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU 2025/40, "PPWR") is being phased in, altering compliance standards for all businesses placing packaged goods on the European market. Adhesive tape is classified as a packaging component; therefore, if you purchase tape for use on cartons destined for the EU, the PPWR applies to your supply chain—whether you are aware of it or not.

Specific PPWR Requirements for Adhesive Tape

For tape purchasers, the following two articles are of primary importance:

Article 5(5) – Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The maximum total PFAS content in packaging materials is 0.25 mg/kg. Fluorinated processing aids and coatings have historically been found in certain adhesives and packaging products; consequently, this regulation specifically targets these substances.

Article 5(4) – Heavy metals. Lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium are restricted in packaging components (including adhesive tapes and printing inks).

The key takeaway: Compliance is demonstrated through third-party laboratory testing of the actual products being shipped, rather than through generic declarations. For PFAS, the accepted method is Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis (e.g., referencing the EN 17681-1:2025 standard), with laboratories required to report both the test results and the limits of detection.

Understanding "Not Detected"—and Why Wording Matters

You will encounter varying ways in which suppliers report PFAS test results. A credible statement is "Not Detected," accompanied by the limit of detection and the test method—for example: "Total PFAS content: Not Detected, well below the 0.25 mg/kg limit (LC-MS/MS)." Be wary of absolute claims such as "PFAS-free" that lack details regarding test methods, detection limits, or actual reports. Always request the relevant documentation. Between July and August 2026, JL3 conducted comprehensive PPWR testing across its entire range of tape products:

PFAS (Article 5(5)): Reinforced and non-reinforced water-activated tapes, reinforced and standard self-adhesive kraft tapes, and mono- and bi-directional filament tapes—all tested negative, with total PFAS content well below the 0.25 mg/kg limit.

Heavy Metals (Article 5(4)): 12 kraft paper products, the full tape product line, printing inks, and 10 packaging accessories (edge ​​protectors, stretch film, pallets, etc.)—all passed compliance requirements.

These results complement existing certifications, including FSC Chain of Custody (FSC-C191983), RoHS Directive compliance, and REACH SVHC screening. For buyers, the practical benefits are clear: paper tapes can be recycled alongside corrugated cardboard boxes, and all claims are backed by laboratory reports.

Checklist for Buyers Importing Tape into the EU

Request PFAS reports for the specific SKUs you are purchasing—these should detail the testing methods and detection limits, rather than just a generic letter from the company.

If using printed tape, request heavy metal test reports covering both the tape and the printing ink.

Consider recyclability. Plastic-free paper sealing tapes can be recycled together with paper cartons; this aligns with the PPWR’s "Design for Recycling" principles.

Keep the reports on file. Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), importers and brand owners bear responsibility for the packaging they place on the market.

Fujian Jialong Tape Co., Ltd. (JL3) manufactures kraft tapes, water-activated tapes, and filament tapes, primarily for export markets. Test reports and samples are available upon request—please contact us via the inquiry form.