LegalizeCommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 of 17 December 2020 laying down rules on harmonised marking specifications on single-use plastic products listed in Part D of the Annex to Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (1), and in particular Article 7(2) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Directive (EU) 2019/904 lays down general requirements on the marking of certain single-use plastic products that are frequently inappropriately disposed of. The marking is to inform consumers of the presence of plastic in the product; of the waste disposal means to be avoided for that product; and the resulting negative impact of littering or other inappropriate means of waste disposal of the product on the environment.
(2) Directive (EU) 2019/904 requires the Commission to establish harmonised specifications for the marking of single-use plastic products listed in Part D of its Annex. The harmonised specifications for the position, size and design of the marking should take into account the different product groups covered. The format, colours, minimum resolution and font sizes to be used should be specified in order to ensure that each element of the marking is fully visible.
(3) The Commission evaluated existing markings identified through a stakeholder online survey and the market overview, in order to understand the assessment mechanism and the requirements behind the markings and their impact.
(4) The Commission has consulted representative groups of consumers and has performed a field test to ascertain that the markings are effective and easily understandable and to avoid misleading information.
(5) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 39 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (2),
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
Packaging
For the purposes of this Regulation, ‘packaging’ means sales packaging and grouped packaging as defined in point 1 of Article 3 of Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (3).
Article 2
Harmonised marking specifications
The harmonised marking specifications for sanitary towels (pads), and for tampons and tampon applicators are laid down in Annex I.
The harmonised marking specifications for wet wipes, i.e. pre-wetted personal care and domestic wipes are laid down in Annex II.
The harmonised marking specifications for tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use in combination with tobacco products are laid down in Annex III.
The harmonised marking specifications for beverage cups are laid down in Annex IV.
Article 3
Languages
The information text of the marking shall be written in the official language or languages of the Member State(s) where the single-use plastic product is placed on the market.
Article 4
Entry into force and application
This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 3 July 2021.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.
For the Commission The President Ursula VON DER LEYEN
(1) OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1.
(2) Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).
(3) European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste (OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10.).
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