New regulations in the UK alter packaging requirements for products

The United Kingdoms Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 establishes new requirements for how products must be packaged, labelled, and sold. Although the legislation was enacted in July 2025, its core provisions will take effect from 1 January 2026. Businesses involved in the packaging supply chain have a limited window to prepare, ensuring that product measurements are precise, pack sizes comply with legal standards, and consumer information is transparent.

Key Requirements for Packaging

Under the 2025 Act, all packaged goods must display accurate measurements, whether by weight, volume, or unit count. Labels are required to be legible, truthful, and clearly indicate the contents. Non-compliant or misleading packaging may result in penalties or enforcement actions once the law is active.

Manufacturers and packaging suppliers are urged to audit their labeling, measurement, and packing processes. Quality control must confirm that products are filled correctly and that declared quantities align with actual contents. Maintaining detailed records is essential to demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits. The legislation also grants the Secretary of State the authority to introduce additional regulations, potentially affecting packaging formats, labeling standards, or size thresholds in the future.

Interaction with Extended Producer Responsibility

The UKs Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, effective from January 2025, complements the Metrology Act. Producers subject to EPR must report the types and volumes of packaging they place on the market and pay fees according to recyclability. This increases accountability for manufacturers, retailers, and online platforms.

Packaging businesses must ensure that the material, size, and weight of each pack are accurately recorded. Tracking packaging from production to sale and integrating recyclability considerations into design are now crucial. The combination of the Act and EPR aims to boost transparency and promote sustainable packaging practices across the supply chain.

Steps for Businesses

Companies should immediately review and update packaging procedures to comply with the 1 January 2026 deadline. This includes:

• Verifying the accuracy of declared quantities
• Ensuring labels are clear and legible
• Auditing packaging sizes against the Acts standards
• Preparing reporting systems for EPR compliance, including recyclability and volume data

The new regulations signify a major shift in packaging governance. Starting in 2026, packaging will be treated not just as a container but as a regulated component of the product itself. Early action will help businesses avoid fines, maintain consumer confidence, and align with evolving expectations for transparency and sustainability.

Author: Sophia Brooks