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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Council2,