EU creates separate customs code for PET flakes from 2027

The European Commission will introduce a dedicated customs code for PET flakes from 1 January 2027, under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2163, which amends the Combined Nomenclature. Petcore Europe, the European PET recycling association, says the change will separate flakes from other PET forms and improve monitoring of imports from outside the EU, though it still does not distinguish virgin from recycled PET or food-contact grade from other grades.

Why this mattersSeparate trade data on PET flake imports gives regulators and recyclers the statistical basis to track low-cost inflows and support future trade measures amid overcapacity in European PET recycling.

• New EU customs codes for PET flakes take effect 1 January 2027 under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2163
• Code 39076100 (viscosity >=78 ml/g) splits into 39076110 for flakes and 39076190 for other PET forms, with a parallel split for viscosity <78 ml/g
• Petcore Europe announced the change on 4 November 2026
• The new codes do not distinguish virgin PET from recycled PET (rPET), nor food-contact grade from other applications
• Petcore Europe says it will keep pushing for a dedicated code for rPET
• The EU has separately opened a safeguard investigation into PET and upstream raw material imports

Relevant to you? Yes No