FAQ

What European reuse targets apply to sales and transport packaging?

For certain sales and transport packaging used within the EU, reuse targets of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 apply.

For certain transport operations within a single Member State, a 100% target applies from 2030. The exact obligation depends on the packaging type and the relevant supply chain.

Do I need to include sorting instructions on professional packaging?

No. Sorting instructions are not mandatory for professional packaging.

When must I add harmonised labels to my packaging?

From 12 August 2026, manufacturers must provide their identification on the packaging. Under certain conditions, this may also be done using a QR code or another data carrier.

From 12 August 2028 — or possibly later, depending on European implementing rules — harmonised sorting instructions will also need to be added.

What do Design for Recycling and Recycling Performance Grade mean?

Design for Recycling assesses the extent to which packaging has been designed to be recyclable. The assessment is expressed through a Recycling Performance Grade (RPG):

• Grade A: at least 95% recyclable
• Grade B: at least 80% recyclable
• Grade C: at least 70% recyclable
• Grade D: less than 70% recyclable

From 2030, packaging classified as Grade D may no longer be placed on the market. From 2038, this will also apply to packaging classified as Grade C.

The detailed criteria for this assessment are expected in 2028.

When must I use recycled content in plastic packaging?

From January 2030, the plastic components of packaging must contain a minimum share of certified recycled material. The required percentage depends on the type and format of the packaging.

Is there a transitional period for the PFAS restriction in food-contact packaging?

No. Food-contact packaging placed on the market after 12 August 2026 must comply with the applicable PFAS limit values.

Packaging already placed on the market before that date may remain available on the market.

How much empty space is permitted in packaging?

Grouped packaging, transport packaging and e-commerce packaging may contain no more than 50% empty space. Filling or cushioning materials also count as empty space.

This 50% limit does not apply to sales packaging. However, you must still minimise the packaging as far as necessary.

Do reusable packaging items also require a declaration of conformity?

Yes. The same conformity obligations also apply to reusable packaging.

How long must I retain my declaration of conformity?

You must retain your declaration of conformity for:

• 5 years after placing single-use packaging on the market
• 10 years after placing reusable packaging on the market

What happens if my declaration of conformity is not compliant?

An incomplete or non-compliant declaration may result in measures ranging from a fine to the withdrawal of your product from the market. We therefore recommend keeping your documentation complete and up to date.

In which language should I prepare my declaration of conformity?

Prepare your declaration in a language understood by the supervisory authority. In Belgium, this may be Dutch, French, German or English.

Can the authorities check whether my declaration of conformity is compliant?

Yes. In Belgium, the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment is generally responsible for these checks.

If you receive a request, the PPWR provides for a 10-day period to submit or amend your declaration of conformity.

Can I reduce the number of declarations of conformity for similar packaging?

Yes, in certain cases. If the same packaging is available in different sizes and those differences do not affect compliance with Articles 5 to 12 of the PPWR, you may prepare one declaration of conformity covering the different versions.

Each packaging item covered must be clearly identified in the declaration.

My customers are asking for a declaration of conformity for my packaging. What should I do?

If you are the manufacturer under the PPWR, you must prepare a declaration of conformity. To do so, you will need technical documentation from your packaging or packaging-material supplier. You are not required to pass this declaration of conformity on to your customers.

Are you an importer?
In other words, do you buy packaging or packaged goods from a country outside the EU? If so, you must request the declaration of conformity and keep it.

Manufacturers and importers must keep the declaration of conformity for their packaging for:

• 5 years for single-use packaging
• 10 years for reusable packaging

Are you a distributor?
In other words, do you buy packaging or packaged goods from another EU Member State? If so, you must check that a declaration of conformity exists. You do not have to request or keep it yourself.

Can a subsidiary or branch of my company act as my authorised representative?

No. A subsidiary or branch that is not a separate legal entity cannot act as an authorised representative.

The authorised representative must be a legal entity established in the Member State where your foreign company is considered a producer. Holding only a VAT number in that Member State is not sufficient.

Do I need to appoint an authorised representative in Belgium as a foreign producer?

Yes. If you are a foreign producer subject to Belgian obligations, you must appoint an authorised representative established in Belgium.

A Belgian VAT number alone is not sufficient.

Does my authorised representative need to be established in Belgium?

Yes. For your Extended Producer Responsibility obligations in Belgium, your authorised representative must be established in Belgium.

Can my company have several authorised representatives in Europe?

Yes. If your company operates in several EU Member States, you may appoint an authorised representative in each Member State where one is required.

When will the Belgian producer register be available?

We expect the Belgian producer register to be available by the end of 2026 or early 2027. We will share further information as soon as it is confirmed.

Will my Valipac membership number also be my producer register number?

No. Your Valipac membership number and your producer register number are different.

How do I register in the Belgian producer register?

If you are a Valipac client, you do not need to take any additional steps. Valipac will arrange the registration of its clients.

I am an SME. Do different rules apply to my company?

Specific rules may apply if your company qualifies as a micro-enterprise. Use our information sheet to check whether this applies to your company and to understand your obligations.

I provide logistics services to other companies. Am I a manufacturer or producer?

If you pack, repack, unpack, store or transport goods on behalf of another company without ever becoming the owner of those goods, you are generally a contract packer.

Your exact role depends on your specific situation. Our information sheet can help you determine which rules may apply to your activities.

View the information sheet for contract packers

What is the difference between a manufacturer and a producer?

A manufacturer ensures that packaging complies with the PPWR. Where relevant, this includes requirements on harmful substances, packaging minimisation, recyclability, recycled content and correct labelling. The manufacturer must also prepare the declaration of conformity.

A producer is the company that first makes packaging or packaged products available on the market in the relevant Member State, or that sells them directly to end users in another Member State. The producer is responsible for Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, including declarations to Valipac and/or Fost Plus in Belgium.

The same company may be both manufacturer and producer. These roles may also be carried out by different companies.

Are freight containers considered packaging?

No. Containers used for road, rail, sea or air transport are not considered packaging under the PPWR.

Please note, however, that a plastic inner bag or liner inside a container is considered packaging.

Is a big bag or FIBC considered packaging?

Yes. A big bag, also known as an FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container), is considered packaging under the PPWR in all EU Member States.

Do I have to meet the prevention target as an individual company?

No. The prevention target applies at national level; it is not a separate obligation for each individual company.

Do free samples fall within the scope of the PPWR?

Yes. Free samples are subject to the same PPWR rules as other packaging.

Will my Valipac declaration for reference year 2026 be different?

The Valipac declaration will remain largely the same. The main change concerns plastic packaging categories, which will increase from three to eight.

For the entire 2026 reference year, we recommend calculating your declaration under the PPWD rules. You may apply the PPWR rules from the 2027 declaration onwards.

View the new plastic packaging categories

What is the deadline for submitting my declaration to Valipac?

Your declaration to Valipac as a producer must be submitted each year by 28 February at the latest.

I am a producer in Belgium. How can I become a Valipac client?

You will find all the steps for joining Valipac on our registration page.

Become a Valipac client

How can I determine whether my packaging is household or professional packaging in Belgium?

You can use our decision tree and the Grey List to determine how your packaging is classified.

View the Grey List

Which packaging do I need to declare to Valipac?

You declare to Valipac the professional packaging for which your company is responsible and which is placed on the Belgian market. Household packaging must be declared via Fost Plus. Please consult our technical sheet ‘Packaging categories’ for more information.

Is there in Belgium a minimum threshold for the EPR declaration?

No. If you are a producer, you must register as a producer and submit an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) declaration, regardless of the weight of packaging you place on the market.

Different rules may apply to micro-enterprises. Check our information sheet to find out whether your company qualifies as a micro-enterprise and which rules apply.

Which legislation does the PPWR replace, and when does it apply?

The PPWR gradually replaces Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. It has generally applied since 12 August 2026. Some provisions of the former directive will remain applicable during a transitional period.

What accounting and tax rules apply to Valipac incentives?

You do not need to issue an invoice for a Valipac incentive. No VAT is charged on the incentive either.

You can usually book the incentive under account 74, under other operating income.

Does the incentive exceed € 250? Then at the end of the year Valipac will draw up a tax certificate and provide the required information to the FPS Finance.

If in doubt, ask your accountant or tax advisor for advice. This way you can be sure that the incentive is processed correctly according to your company’s situation.

I would like a copy of my certificate. How do I proceed?

Log in to myCertificate with your personal access code. There you will find your certificate and the documents belonging to your file.

You can download these documents and keep them with your accounting records.

I have changed collectors. Does this affect my incentive(s)?

Changing waste collectors has no impact on your incentive as long as your new collector is affiliated with Valipac and your packaging waste is recycled correctly. Do you work with several collectors? Then you can receive a separate access code for myCertificate for each collector.

I think the incentive amount is not correct. What can I do?

First check in myCertificate which data your waste collector has submitted and how your incentive was calculated.

Do you think something is wrong with the number of containers or bags, the collected weights, or the registered collections? Then contact your waste collector. They can check the data and have it corrected if necessary.

Why haven’t I received my incentive(s) yet?

First check in myCertificate whether the following information is complete and correct:

• your company details;
• your account number;
• the information about any producer obligations you may have regarding commercial and industrial packaging.

Is everything in order? Then we may still be waiting for the request from your waste collector. They must first submit the incentive request and provide the necessary data.

Do you work with several waste collectors? Then each waste collector submits a separate file, meaning you may receive several access codes.

I get a message in myCertificate that I’m not entitled to incentives. Why is that?

Your company probably doesn’t yet comply with the legislation on commercial and industrial packaging. Check whether your company is considered a producer.

Are you a producer and not yet a Valipac client? Then the payout in myCertificate will remain temporarily blocked. Once your file and any obligations are in order, Valipac will be able to pay out your incentive in the future.

When will I receive my incentive(s)?

Valipac pays out your incentives in the year following the collections. The amount is therefore based on your sorting and recycling performance from the previous calendar year.

You receive the incentive as soon as:

• Valipac has received the necessary data from your waste collector;
• you meet the conditions;
• you have confirmed the requested information in myCertificate;
• your file is complete.

Start-up incentives for selective containers are paid out a few weeks after the contract is concluded (new as of 2027)

Is there a container incentive for residual waste?

No. Valipac incentives are intended for commercial and industrial packaging waste that you collect separately and have recycled.

Residual waste is not selectively collected for recycling and is therefore not eligible for a container incentive.

Is there a limit on the bag incentive of € 0.50 per collection bag?

Yes. You receive a maximum of € 0.50 per purchased collection bag, with a maximum of 500 bags per site and per year.

The incentive applies to collection bags in which you collect commercial and industrial plastic packaging waste, such as:

• film;
• expanded polystyrene;
• strapping bands.

You can combine the bag incentive with the recycling incentive, provided you meet the conditions for both incentives.

Is there a similar incentive for sorting PMD in companies?

Yes. Are you starting PMD sorting as a company and having the PMD collected by a private waste collector? Then you can receive a welcome bonus of € 75 from Fost Plus.

Your waste collector helps you get started with the collection. At the end of the year, they provide the data of new participants to Fost Plus. After that, you will receive an invitation to check and confirm your details.

Good to know: this bonus is granted by Fost Plus and not by Valipac.

How is the recycling incentive for plastic, metal and wood calculated?

The recycling incentive is calculated per tonne of packaging waste that you sort and that your affiliated waste collector has effectively recycled:

• plastic packaging waste: € 30 per tonne;
• metal packaging waste: € 10 per tonne;
• wood packaging waste: € 10 per tonne, except for pallet repair.

Only the quantities effectively recycled are eligible. Can your waste collector not demonstrate how much waste was recycled? Then Valipac applies a recycling coefficient specific to that collector.

How does the € 50 start-up incentive for the purchase of collection bags work?

Are you starting to sort commercial and industrial plastic packaging waste in bags? Then you can receive a one-off start-up incentive of € 50 per type of plastic:

• film;
• expanded polystyrene (styrofoam);
• strapping bands.

For example, are you starting to sort film and styrofoam at the same time? Then you can receive € 100 in total.

These are the conditions:

• you purchase the bags from a waste collector affiliated with Valipac;
• the bags for film and strapping bands have a capacity of at least 200 litres;
• the bags for styrofoam have a capacity of at least 500 litres;
• your company has not yet received a bag incentive for the relevant type of plastic.

The start-up incentive is granted once per company number and per type of plastic.

What are the conditions for the annual incentive of € 50 for small containers?

Do you rent a selective roll container of 660 to 999 litres for commercial and industrial packaging waste? Then you can receive € 50 per container per year.

The incentive amount is calculated based on the number of days the container is present at your site. For example, is the container placed on 1 July? Then you will receive € 25.21 for that year.

These are the conditions:

• the container contains at least 70% commercial and industrial packaging waste;
• the container is emptied or collected at your site by a waste collector affiliated with Valipac.

Do you empty the roll container at your site into a larger container? Then the small roll container is not eligible for the incentive.

Why am I no longer receiving an annual incentive for large containers?

Since reference year 2025, the annual incentive for selective containers of 1,000 litres no longer exists.

We are now focusing our support on companies that are sorting their commercial and industrial packaging waste selectively for the first time. In this way, we want to get more companies moving. The more companies that correctly sort their packaging waste, the better materials can be recycled and become raw materials again.

For smaller roll containers of 660 to 999 litres, the annual incentive will continue to exist, under the applicable conditions.

How does the one-off start-up incentive of € 450 for selective containers work?

Are you starting to sort commercial and industrial packaging waste in a selective container for the first time? Then you can receive a one-off start-up incentive of € 450. You start with a container of at least 660 litres through a waste collector affiliated with Valipac.

The incentive is paid out after a few weeks if you meet the conditions.

What is a selective container?

A selective container is used to separately collect commercial and industrial packaging waste for recycling. This can be, for example, cardboard, plastic, wood or metal.

Only the container that your waste collector empties or takes away at your business site is eligible for an incentive. Do you use smaller bins to collect the waste internally before putting it into that container? Then those smaller bins are not individually eligible.

We distinguish between:

• large selective containers: from 1,000 litres with at least 90% commercial and industrial packaging waste,
• small selective containers: between 660 and 999 litres with at least 70% commercial and industrial packaging waste.

Can I combine different Valipac incentives?

Yes. You can combine different Valipac incentives if you meet the conditions for each incentive.

For example, you can combine the recycling incentive for plastic with the bag incentive for plastic collection bags.

What do I need to do to receive an incentive?

1. Work with a waste collector affiliated with Valipac.
2. Correctly sort your commercial and industrial packaging waste and have it collected for recycling.
3. You will receive a personal access code for myCertificate.
4. Fill in or confirm your details in myCertificate.
5. Is your file complete and do you meet the conditions? Then Valipac will pay out your incentive.

Good to know: your incentive is calculated based on your sorting and recycling performance from the previous calendar year.

What incentives are available?

You can combine five types of Valipac incentives, provided you meet the conditions for each incentive:

• start-up incentive for large selective containers: € 450;
• start-up incentive for plastic collection bags: € 50;
• annual incentive for small selective roll containers: € 50 per container per year;
• bag incentive: € 0.50 per purchased collection bag;
• recycling incentive: € 30 per tonne of plastic and € 10 per tonne of wood or metal.

Are you starting PMD sorting through a private waste collector? Then you may also be eligible for a welcome bonus of € 75 from Fost Plus.

Does my company need to be a Valipac client to receive an incentive?

No, your company doesn’t need to be a Valipac client to receive an incentive. However, if your company is also a producer in Belgium, it must comply with packaging legislation. How do you arrange that? By becoming a Valipac client.

What are the basic conditions for receiving an incentive?

You are eligible if your commercial and industrial packaging waste:

• becomes waste in Belgium;
• is collected by a waste collector affiliated with Valipac;
• is correctly sorted and effectively recycled.

Always follow the sorting instructions of your collector. This helps you sort materials correctly and avoid missing out on your incentive.

Is my company entitled to an incentive?

Your company can receive a Valipac incentive if you correctly sort and have your commercial and industrial packaging waste recycled. You don’t need to be a Valipac client to do so. There are, however, a number of basic conditions to receive an incentive.

My phone is lost or broken. How do I regain access?

Even if you still have a backup code, it is best to contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager for further assistance.

Are international phone numbers supported?

Yes, SMS confirmation codes are available for all of Europe. When setting up, select the correct country code (e.g. +32 for Belgium).

I changed my phone number. How do I update it?

Please contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager. We will verify your identity and reset the SMS verification so that you can link a new number.

I am not receiving an SMS code. What can I do?

Try the following: wait a few minutes (codes may arrive with a delay), check your network signal, click ‘Resend’ to request a new code, check whether your phone is blocking messages from unknown senders, or restart your phone. If none of this helps, please contact us at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager and mention the time at which the issue occurred.

How does the SMS confirmation code work?

After logging in with your email address and password, you receive a one-time code by SMS to the phone number you registered. Enter this code on the screen to gain access. You can also choose to remember your device for 30 days, so you won’t need to enter a new code during that period.

I have a new device. How do I set up my security app again?

If you still have your backup code, you can use it to log in. After that, please contact your account manager or our customer service to reset the security settings, so that you can set up the app again on your new device.

My codes are not being accepted. What can I do?

Make sure the time on your smartphone is set correctly, as the codes are time-based. Also try entering the code as soon as it appears. If it still does not work, please contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager.

How do I use a one-time code when logging in?

Open your security app and find the item named ‘Valipac’. Enter the 6-digit code. Note: this code changes periodically. Always use the most recent code.

How do I link the security app to my account?

Log in to the desired platform. A screen with a QR code will appear. Open your security app, tap the ‘+’ icon (Google) or the QR code icon (Microsoft), and scan the QR code. Then enter the 6-digit code shown in the app and click the arrow.

Which security apps are supported?

Our applications work with Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator, but other similar security apps can also be used. You can download these apps for free from the App Store (iPhone) or the Play Store (Android).

I no longer have access to my app or phone. What now?

If you still have your backup code, you can use it to log in. If you no longer have the backup code, contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager. Our staff will verify your identity and reset the security so you can set up your preferred method again.

What is a backup code and why is it important?

After setting up the additional security, you receive a one-time backup code. Store this code in a safe place (write it down or take a screenshot). You can use it to log in if you don’t have access to your app or phone. Also keep it in a place accessible to colleagues who may need to use the same account when the registered phone is not available.

How do I set up the additional security step for the first time?

When you first log in, a screen automatically appears to set up your security. You choose between a security app on your smartphone or an SMS code. Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your choice. Once chosen, this method will automatically be used for future logins.

Why is this additional security step mandatory?

This additional step protects your account even if your password is ever compromised. It is mandatory for all users of our applications to guarantee the security of your data.

What is this additional security check when logging in?

In addition to your password, our applications ask for a second confirmation that it is really you. This can be done via a dedicated security app on your smartphone or via an SMS code. This way, your account remains protected, even if someone else were to know your password.

I submit my declaration via MyFost. Do I also have access to myDeclaration?

No. If you submit your business declaration via MyFost, you do not have access to myDeclaration. The two platforms are separate and your declaration must be submitted exclusively through MyFost.

My account is not recognized. What can I do?

Check that you are using the correct email address for the user and the correct URL.

How can I change my email address?

Contacteer eerst je accountmanager. Je kunt ook terecht bij onze customer service via customer@valipac.be of +32 2 456 83 10.

Na verificatie van je identiteit wordt je e-mailadres aangepast.

Can I manage multiple files as a user?

Yes, it is possible for you as a user to have access to multiple files and applications. To set this up, please contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager.

What should I do if the invitation email has expired?

Use the ‘Forgot password’ function on the login page to request a new invitation. Note: this only works if an invitation has already been sent.

Can multiple users share the same account?

No, it is currently not possible for several people to access the same myDeclaration account at the same time. Each account has one active file administrator. If you would like to change the user, please contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager.

How do I register a new user?

Contact your account manager or send an email to customer@valipac.be. Please be sure to include the following details: first name, last name, email address and phone number. Our team will process your request and send you an invitation to set a password. This invitation is valid for 5 days.

What are the customer service hours?

We are available from Monday to Thursday from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00. Please first contact your account manager. You can also reach us by email at customer@valipac.be or by phone at +32 2 456 83 10.

The website doesn’t work properly in my browser. What can I do?

Try a different browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari), clear your browser cache and cookies, or open a private/incognito window with Ctrl + Shift + N (Edge and Chrome), Ctrl + Shift + P (Firefox) or Cmd + Shift + N (Safari). Always type the URL of the desired application directly into the address bar.

My account is locked. What can I do?

This can happen after multiple failed login attempts. Wait a few minutes and try again, or use the ‘Forgot password’ function to reset your password. If the problem persists, contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager.

I forgot my password. What now?

Click the ‘Forgot password?’ link on the login page and enter your email address. You will receive a reset email from customer@valipac.be. Also check your spam or junk folder.

What is my username?

Your username is the email address registered as the file administrator in our system. If you are unsure, please contact our customer service at customer@valipac.be or your dedicated account manager.

How do I log in to the platforms?

For customers, go to valipac.portal.be to submit your declaration.

For affiliated waste management companies, go to:

• certificates.valipac.be to submit your bonus claims for your clients;
• recycling.valipac.be to submit your packaging waste reporting;
• materials.valipac.be to submit your materials reporting.

Enter the email address we have on file and your password, then click ‘Continue’.