From 1 January 2027, the European Commission will introduce dedicated EU customs codes for PET flakes – differentiating the trade flow from that of PET pellets to support market transparency and evidence-based policymaking.
Whereas PET flakes and pellets were classified under the same customs codes, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2163 will introduce new codes to distinguish flakes from other PET forms.
The EU Combined Nomenclature will introduce the following codes next year:
Description
Previous
CN code
New CN
code
PET flakes,
viscosity number ≥ 78 ml/g
39076100
39076110
Other PET
forms, viscosity number ≥ 78 ml/g
39076100
39076190
PET flakes,
viscosity number below 78 ml/g
39076900
39076910
Other PET
forms, viscosity number below 78 ml/g
39076900
39076990
This development is anticipated to improve market transparency by increasing the visibility of PET flake imports and exports, especially from non-EU countries. It is set to help monitor trade flows and competitive pressures affecting European recyclers, unlocking more reliable market intelligence.
More precise data is expected to support evidence-based policymaking, helping European institutions legislate on circularity, competitiveness, and recycled content. Additionally, an improved capacity to demonstrate market developments is hoped to highlight potential distortions and strengthen industry representation.
PETCORE Europe underlines its own role in advocating for this outcome – bringing together industry expertise in coordinated industry action and holding constructive conversations with policymakers.
“Over recent years, PETCORE Europe has increased its interface with the EU Commission by creating an Advocacy Working Group, aiming to better and faster represent the needs of the PET Value Chain with the EU Institutions,” said chairman Antonello Ciotti. “This achievement reflects our sustained engagement in advocating for greater transparency and recognition of recycled PET materials in European trade statistics.”
However, the new codes do not separate virgin from recycled PET or food-contact from non-food-contact materials. Once procedures are in place, PETCORE Europe plans to continue advocating for the Commission to introduce a code for rPET.
It also plans to continue working with members and ensuring that the new codes translate into meaningful market intelligence and support fair competition, European recycling investments, and a transition towards circularity for PET.
Ciotti previously spoke to Packaging Europe about the long-term viability of the PET market, concerns for the EU’s plastic recycling industry, and more.
In similar news, the European Parliament has approved a major reform of the EU Customs Code that treats non-EU businesses selling to EU consumers as responsible importers. An extra handling fee has also been introduced to cover the rising costs of managing an ‘avalanche’ of individual parcels.
