PPWR Delegated Decision: conditional heavy-metal derogation for crystal glass packaging

Delegated decision adopted under Article 5(8) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) (C(2026) 5778), amending Decision 2001/171/EC to create a time-limited, conditional derogation for crystal glass packaging. Article 5(4) PPWR caps the combined lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium content of packaging at 100 mg/kg and does not carry over the former lead crystal exemption; this decision lets crystal glass packaging meeting the conditions exceed that limit until 2029-12-31. Packaging containing intentionally introduced or residual lead may only be manufactured until 2028-12-31; packaging made before then may undergo finishing operations such as cold glass working and be placed on the market until 2029-12-31. Published in the OJ on 2026-10-28; in force from 2026-10-29.