From Packaging to Privacy: What Just Changed for Compliance in Portugal, the EU & New Zealand
- Charlene
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Three cross-border regulatory shifts are set to reshape how manufacturers handle labeling, data privacy, and energy compliance. Here's what’s happening — and what to do next.
🇵🇹 Portuguese Packaging Labelling Directive
Portugal has introduced more comprehensive packaging labelling requirements within the framework of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as of 1 January 2025.
It has incorporated EU directives on packaging and packaging waste through various decrees, in particular Directives 94/62/EC and 2004/12/EC.
According to Decree-Law No.152-D/2017, information on the labelling of non-disposable primary and secondary packaging, the indication of appropriate disposal sites, the colour of the correct recycling bin where packaging waste should be disposed of and the disposal site of packaging waste are expected to be provided in the instructions for use of the packaged product or at points of sale by any appropriate means. In effect — anyone positioning a product on the Portuguese market is responsible for these requirements.
Learn more here
🏭 What This Means for Manufacturers
Review packaging workflows to ensure proper bin color coding and disposal info is included.
Coordinate with sales and distribution teams to verify POS materials and manuals are compliant.
Assign compliance ownership internally — the brand is liable, not just the distributor.
🇪🇺 GDPR Regulation Proposes Targeted Changes
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is an EU legislation that has been directly applicable since May 25, 2018, setting out the rules for the processing and free movement of personal data within the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA).
In May 2025, the EU Commission adopted its Single Market Simplification proposal, which aims to reduce bureaucracy and barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium-sized companies (SMCs).
As part of this proposal, the Commission presented draft amendments to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), among others, on 21 May 2025. The new proposal aims to extend the above derogation to SMCs and organisations with fewer than 750 employees. In effect — anyone positioning a product on the EU market is responsible for these requirements.
Learn more here
🏭 What This Means for Manufacturers
Monitor scope updates — even simplified rules still require updated policies and documentation.
SMEs may benefit from streamlined processes, but thresholds and definitions should be tracked carefully.
Ensure your data governance is future-proof as the compliance environment evolves.
🇳🇿 New Zealand Energy-Using Products Consultation
The New Zealand Energy Minister announced in a formal notice published at the beginning of 2025 that a public consultation process has been initiated to update or introduce new standards for energy efficiency for various products under the “Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002”.
The standards will be updated to be particularly compatible with Australian requirements and will be based on international best practices. Relevant stakeholders and the public will have until 15 June 2025 to comment on the proposed changes.
The new or updated standards are expected to come into force at the beginning of 2026. In effect — applies to air-conditioners, clothes washing machines, dishwashers, rotary clothes dryers, household refrigerators and freezers, three-phase cage induction motors, external power supplies, tubular fluorescent lamps, chillers, and close control air conditioners.
Learn more here
🏭 What This Means for Manufacturers
Begin internal audits of listed SKUs to anticipate potential redesign or testing needs.
Harmonization with Australian standards may ease dual-market entry, but watch for local deviations.
Participate in the consultation process before 15 June to shape future requirements and avoid compliance gaps.
✅ Ready to integrate these changes into your compliance workflow?At EcoComply, we monitor global regulatory updates in real time and translate them into clear, actionable tasks for your team.
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