The Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic has published guidance on the application of selected provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). It responds to the fact that the amendment to the Waste Act will not be effective by 12 August 2026, when most provisions of the PPWR will start to apply.
The guidance draws attention in particular to the following:
- From 12 August 2026, the new definition of a packaging producer under the PPWR will apply. The existing definition set out in the Slovak Waste Act will no longer be used. Obligated entities must therefore assess how this change will affect their status and the fulfilment of their obligations, either individually or through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
- The Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic is preparing an amendment to the Waste Act aimed at aligning Slovak legislation with the PPWR, including the rules on penalties. At the same time, the Ministry is analysing potential conflicts between the Waste Act and the directly applicable Regulation.
- A gradual approach should be applied when checking compliance with obligations applicable from 12 August 2026. If the competent inspection authority identifies non-compliance, the economic operator should first receive a warning and a reasonable period in which to remedy the non-compliance. Further measures, including penalties, should only be taken if the non-compliance is not remedied.
- The Ministry also refers to the updated FAQs of the European Commission, which provide a more detailed interpretation of the terms manufacturer and packaging producer, particularly in relation to transport packaging and branded packaging.
The guidance entered into effect upon its publication on the Ministry’s website (8 August 2026). PRO NATUR-PACK will closely monitor further legislative developments and the practical application of the PPWR in Slovakia and is preparing webinars and other useful materials for its clients that are important for making the right decisions.
👉 Read the full guidance
