On August 12, 2026, a new EU packaging regulation, PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), takes effect. The goal is a good one: less packaging waste across Europe.
The practical implementation, though, is heavy for small businesses. Under PPWR, any business shipping into another EU country is expected to register separately in that country's packaging waste system. Each of the 27 EU countries runs its own registry, its own fees, its own reporting, and the rule applies regardless of business size, with no general small-business exemption.
For a large company, that's routine admin. For me, and thousands of other small makers across Europe, it would mean spending far more time on paperwork than on making jewelry.
So for now, I've limited shipping to mainland Finland. Åland is not currently included.
This isn't just about Omasi
If you order from other small European businesses, they're very likely facing the same thing. Over the past few months, many small makers have had to restrict or stop shipping to certain countries entirely because of this same regulation.
How you can help
- Sign the petition to the European Commission and Parliament: Stop destroying EU micro-businesses (change.org, 18,000+ signatures)
- Leave feedback directly with the EU: Have Your Say portal
- Contact your MEP: europarl.europa.eu/meps
I'll be back serving other markets as soon as I can. Thank you for being here through this.
— Jessi
