New EU customs codes for PET flakes from January 2027
From 1 January 2027, PET flakes will have dedicated customs codes in the EU Combined Nomenclature under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2163, a change advocated by Petcore Europe.
Petcore Europe has announced the introduction of dedicated EU customs codes for PET flakes, effective from 1 January 2027, under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2163. The change is an important milestone for the European PET recycling industry. Until now, PET flakes and PET pellets were classified under the same customs codes, which made it difficult to distinguish their respective trade flows. Petcore Europe played a key role in advocating for this change, bringing together industry expertise and presenting the need for more accurate customs classifications at European level. According to the organisation, the result shows the importance of coordinated industry action and constructive dialogue with policymakers.
"Over recent years, Petcore Europe has increased its interface with the EU Commission by creating an Advocacy Working Group, aiming to better and faster represent the needs of the PET Value Chain with the EU Institutions", said Antonello Ciotti, Chairman of Petcore Europe. "This achievement reflects our sustained engagement in advocating for greater transparency and recognition of recycled PET materials in European trade statistics."
While the new codes distinguish flakes from other PET forms, they do not differentiate virgin from recycled PET, or food-contact from non-food-contact materials. Petcore Europe is continuing its efforts to obtain a code for rPET, which it expects once the relevant procedures are in place.
New codes in the Combined Nomenclature
From January 2027, the EU Combined Nomenclature will introduce the following dedicated codes:
| Previous CN code | New CN code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 39076100 | 39076110 | PET flakes, viscosity number ≥78 ml/g |
| 39076100 | 39076190 | Other PET forms, viscosity number ≥78 ml/g |
| 39076900 | 39076910 | PET flakes, viscosity number below 78 ml/g |
| 39076900 | 39076990 | Other PET forms, viscosity number below 78 ml/g |
According to Petcore Europe, the change is a significant step forward for the PET value chain, as it enables:
- Greater market transparency: improved visibility of PET flake imports and exports, particularly from non-EU countries.
- More reliable market intelligence: better monitoring of trade flows and competitive pressures affecting European recyclers.
- Evidence-based policymaking: more precise data to support discussions with European institutions on circularity, competitiveness and recycled content.
- Stronger industry representation: improved capacity to demonstrate market developments and identify potential distortions.
Petcore Europe will continue working with its members to ensure that the new codes translate into meaningful market intelligence, supporting fair competition, European recycling investments and the transition towards a more circular PET economy.