MEP Peter Agius has called on European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall to suspend new rules on packaging and packaging waste, arguing that requirements which came into force on 12 August are placing an increased bureaucratic burden on small businesses trading within the European Single Market, the EPP said in a statement.

Agius told the European Commissioner that he had received complaints from numerous Maltese businesses, artists and craftspeople concerned that new requirements to register in every EU country could make it impossible for them to export their products to other European countries.

While welcoming the environmental objectives of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), including reducing unnecessary packaging, promoting reusable containers and improving packaging design, Agius said that environmental progress should not come at the expense of Europe's competitiveness or the livelihoods of small businesses.

"Many Maltese businesses selling small quantities across the Single Market are now facing registration costs that can exceed €200 in each Member State, even when their annual income from this trade is considerably lower," Agius said.

He called on the European Commission to introduce a simplified emergency regime, including a temporary suspension of the obligation for traders to appoint an authorised representative in every Member State.

"We need to rebuild trust in the Single Market while safeguarding the PPWR's environmental ambition. Europe should make it easier - not more difficult - for its smallest businesses to trade across borders," Agius concluded.