For Southeast Asian exporters targeting the European market, understanding CE certification requirements has become more critical than ever. The EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force on February 11, 2025, and will apply from August 12, 2026 [1]. This regulation fundamentally changes compliance obligations for all packaging products, including biodegradable plastics like PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) and PLA (Polylactic Acid).
It's important to clarify that CE marking itself is not universally required for all biodegradable plastics. The term "CE certified" in B2B contexts often refers more broadly to EU compliance certification, which for biodegradable packaging primarily means meeting EN 13432 (industrial compostability) or EN 17427 (home compostability) standards, along with providing a valid Declaration of Conformity (DoC) under PPWR requirements.
EU Certification Standards for Biodegradable Plastics: What Each Means
| Standard | Application | Key Requirements | Testing Conditions | Common Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 13432 | Industrial compostable packaging | 90% biodegradation in 180 days, 12 weeks disintegration, heavy metal limits, eco-toxicity testing | 55-60°C industrial composting | EU, UK, Australia |
| EN 17427 | Home compostable packaging | Biodegradation at ambient temperatures over 12+ months, lower temperature tolerance | 12-30°C home composting environment | EU, UK, select regions |
| ASTM D6400 | Industrial compostable (North America) | Similar to EN 13432, BPI certification required | 58-60°C industrial facilities | USA, Canada |
| AS 4736/5810 | Australian compostability standard | Biodegradation and disintegration requirements, heavy metal limits | Industrial composting conditions | Australia, New Zealand |
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is now legally binding under PPWR from August 2026. This document must accompany all packaging products placed on the EU market and confirms that the product meets applicable requirements. For online sales platforms, including Alibaba.com listings targeting EU buyers, the DoC must be accessible and verifiable. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in product removal from the market and potential liability for both sellers and online platforms [1].
The new PPWR requires that all packaging placed on the EU market must have a Declaration of Conformity. This is legally binding from August 2026 and applies to both B2B and B2C packaging. Online platforms are also affected and must ensure compliance [1].

