EU Strict New Regulations Reshape Paper Export Market (PPWR & EUDR 2026)

As the most urgent global trade hotspot in 2026, the European Union’s new packaging regulation PPWR will be fully implemented on August 12, together with the delayed EUDR Deforestation-free Regulation taking effect on December 30. These two policies have completely changed the entry rules for paper & paperboard exports to the EU market.

Under PPWR, all packaging paper, white cardboard, food-grade paper and grey board exported to EU must meet mandatory requirements: minimum recycled fiber ratio, strict control of PFAS fluorine substances, heavy metal limits, mandatory carbon footprint declaration and full lifecycle traceability. Non-compliant shipments will be detained, returned or fined at customs. Meanwhile, EUDR requires complete wood traceability and sustainable forest certification for all paper products under HS48 codes.

As a professional paper exporter based in Huizhou China, Songhong Paper has completed full compliance preparation in advance. Our white cardboard, FBB/GC1/GC2 coated paper, food grade board and double grey board fully meet PPWR environmental standards, with complete EUDR traceability documents and FSC supporting materials. We can provide stable customs-clearing EU export solutions for global clients, avoiding delivery risks caused by policy changes.

Green compliance has become the core threshold instead of extra advantage in European paper trade in 2026. Only compliant high-quality paper manufacturers can gain long-term EU market shares.

2026 witnesses dramatic tariff changes and continuous restructuring of global paper trade flows, which directly affects Chinese paper export strategies.

Canada issued a final anti-dumping & countervailing duty order on Chinese thermal paper with an ultra-high rate of 359.1% in January, making Chinese thermal paper almost withdraw from the Canadian market. Meanwhile, the Philippines officially canceled high safeguard duties on Chinese corrugated paper and container board in March, bringing strong recovery to China’s paper export to Southeast Asia. The EU-India FTA signed in January will gradually eliminate tariffs on 90% pulp and paper products, making low-cost Indian paper strongly impact Chinese low-end packaging paper export to Europe. The US still maintains high tariffs on Chinese paperboard, driving export orders to shift to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Facing rising trade barriers in traditional western markets, Songhong Paper actively adjusts its export strategy. We focus on high-value export grades including food-grade white card, high-quality coated board, and eco-friendly packaging paper, rather than low-price inferior products. We are expanding stable cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin American markets, avoiding high-risk tariff markets. Our stable supply chain and competitive USD pricing help clients navigate global trade uncertainties.

Market transfer and product upgrading have become the main trend of Chinese paper foreign trade in 2026.