“Notice on Reducing Online Shopping Packaging” Launches in July! A Quick Summary of Key Implementation Points
2026/05/06
When Will the Announcement on Reducing Online Shopping Packaging Take Effect?
The “Announcement on Reducing Online Shopping Packaging” issued by the Environmental Protection Administration will take effect in July, marking the most significant reform of packaging regulations this year.
In the first year, the initiative will focus solely on random sampling at distribution centers; compliance will be determined by the average number of compliant items out of 10 sampled. Starting in the second year, the approach will shift to random orders placed by platforms, with compliance assessed on a per-package basis. Businesses that also operate online sales services should pay close attention and prepare well in advance.
(Photo source: cottonbro studio/Pexels)
What are the targets and scope of regulations on online shopping packaging?
The notice divides the scope of the random inspections into three categories to regulate the use of packaging materials by small, medium, and large online retailers, respectively.：
Definition of an Online Retailer
Medium-sized businesses
Total capital, paid-in capital, or working capital within the Republic of China amounting toNT$50 million or more，orNumber of in-store pickup locationsReach300 or more之Online retail。
Large enterprises
Internet retailers with total capital, paid-in capital, or operating capital within the Republic of China of NT$150 million or more, or with 500 or moreof their own in-store pickup locations500 or moreInternet retail businesses.
The first phase of enforcement begins on July 1, starting with random inspections of medium and large-scale businesses.
Material Requirements｜👩🏫 All businesses must comply
- Paper packaging: Must contain at least 90% recycled paper.
- Plastic packaging: Must contain at least 25% recycled material.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) materials are completely banned, such as the opaque, stretchy insulating and packing tapes commonly found on the market (some manufacturers have switched to paper cushioning materials and paper tape).
All regulated entities must comply with the material requirements, regardless of whether orders are placed through their official website or dedicated app.
Individual sellers on e-commerce platforms are not subject to these regulations.
Packaging Weight Ratio | 👩🏫 Medium-sized and larger businesses must comply
- For items weighing less than 1 kg, the weight of packaging materials must be less than 40% of the total weight;
- For items weighing 1 kg or more but less than 3 kg, the weight of packaging materials must be less than 30% of the total weight;
- For items weighing 3 kg or more, the weight of packaging materials must be less than 15%.
**Products are shipped in their original packaging shipped in the original box, via reusable bags or boxes, or weigh less than 250 grams, are exempt from this restriction.
Annual Reduction Targets and Reporting | 👩🏫 Large-scale operators must comply
Large-scale operators must additionally meet annual reduction targets and report results for either the <average packaging weight reduction rate> or the <reusable box/bag usage rate>.
Do other countries have similar policies for reducing online shopping packaging?
Last November, the EU proposed the “Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation,” which, for the first time, included online shopping packaging under its scope.
Reducing “Empty” Space
Unlike Taiwan’s weight-based approach, the EU draft focuses on ensuring “minimal packaging” and reducing empty space typically filled with bubble wrap or foam. Empty space in packaging must not exceed 40%, and the draft encourages the use of material properties or structural design to create cushioning effects, thereby avoiding excessive use of cushioning materials.
How Should We Respond to the Packaging Reduction Trend?
Packaging reduction is an essential step toward sustainable development and carbon reduction goals. Online shopping, which saw counter-cyclical growth during the global pandemic, has consequently become the first sector under scrutiny. Although online shopping packaging covers a vast range and involves complex varieties—making it impossible to find a one-size-fits-all solution—regulations are rigid, while packaging design is flexible.
Advantages of shipping in original boxes
If you operate an online store for your own brand, you have greater flexibility to make adjustments. By reinforcing and improving the durability of the product’s outer packaging (secondary packaging) from the outset, you can reduce the need for additional packaging materials during online shipping. This minimizes packaging waste and cuts down on packing time.
The regulations on reducing packaging in online shopping do not apply to shipments in original boxes, as this is intended to encourage the avoidance of waste caused by excessive packaging. In an era dominated by online sales, you need sturdy packaging that also provides cushioning to ensure your products are fully protected from the start.