'Absurd costs': Longford MEP pushes to suspend packaging rules for small businesses
In a recent European Parliament vote, a majority of MEPs approved a proposal for a targeted suspension of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly MEP has backed proposals to ease costly EU packaging requirements for small Irish businesses and pressed the European Commission to give immediate clarity while negotiations continue.
In a recent European Parliament vote, a majority of MEPs approved a proposal for a targeted suspension of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), that would apply to EU-based small and micro enterprises.
These small businesses would have fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet under €10 million, until 2035, or until a more comprehensive circular economy act is adopted.
The Lanesboro native said, “It is absurd that Irish businesses selling to customers in other EU countries would face these disproportionate costs under EU rules.
"Small businesses across the Midlands-North-West have worked hard to build their customer base, including selling online to customers elsewhere in Europe.
“They should not find themselves priced out of those markets by disproportionate paperwork and compliance costs,” he added.
Midlands-North-West MEP Mr Mullooly said following representations made to me by businesses like Galway Bay Gifts and Irish Tweeds, and Roscommon based Smyth Knives and Bealtaine Cottage, he 'raised these concerns directly with Environment Commissioner Roswall some months ago', because businesses need rules they can realistically comply with.
He added, "The Commissioner’s response recognises the very problem we have highlighted, that fixed costs are becoming so burdensome that small businesses will stop selling across borders altogether.
“In the vote in the European Parliament last week, I backed a proposal that small companies based in Ireland would no longer need to appoint representatives in other EU member states for compliance with waste-related laws.
"In fact, I went further than many of my colleagues and voted for a complete cessation of this requirement. However, unfortunately, that amendment was not passed.
“The Parliament’s support for a targeted suspension is an important step towards practical relief for small businesses."