A product is considered prepacked in the EU when it is placed in packaging without the purchaser being present, in a fixed quantity that cannot be changed without opening or modifying the package.
This page explains the EU rules on prepacked products and provides links to the main legislation and supporting documents.
EU legislation
Prepacked products (e-mark)
Directive 76/211/EEC, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1243, sets out a harmonised method for filling prepackages.
Products that comply with these rules can be marketed freely across the EU.
They are recognisable by the ℮-mark, shown next to the quantity (volume or weight) on the packaging.
A summary of the legislation is available in all official EU languages.
Measuring container bottles (reversed epsilon mark)
Directive 75/107/EEC allows manufacturers to produce harmonised bottles used as measuring containers (for example, for wine or other liquids).
These bottles can be marketed freely across the EU.
They are recognisable by the reversed epsilon marking (“З”) shown at the bottom of the bottle next to the volume.
A summary of the legislation is available in all official EU languages.
Framework directive on metrological control
Directive 2009/34/EC sets out rules for
- EU pattern approval
- initial verification procedures
- approval markings, including the ℮-mark and the reversed epsilon mark
Review and updates
2019 – Regulation (EU) 2019/1243 updated the conditions for adopting delegated acts regarding Directive 2009/34/EC and 76/211/EEC.
2016 – The Commission evaluated the legislation on prepacked products in a Report to the European Parliament and Council, and published
2005 – A stakeholder consultation concluded in its Report on 2005 packaging consultation that no changes in EU law were needed. Supporting documents include
Guidance documents and their status
To ensure a consistent application of the rules, the Commission works with WELMEC (European Cooperation in Legal Metrology) to develop guidance documents.
These documents
- explain how to apply the legislation in practice
- are not legally binding
- support a consistent approach across the EU
The Commission's Measuring Instruments Working Group endorses the guidance documents published on this page.
