EDB’s National Packaging Centre conducts workshop on Cinnamon Packaging and Compliance with EU Regulations

Friday, 31 July 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Packaging Centre (NPC), in collaboration with the Export Agriculture Division (EAD) of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), successfully conducted a workshop on ‘Cinnamon Packaging and Compliance with EU Regulation’ for members of the GI Association, exporters, and potential exporters.

Held on 22 July at the DHPL Training Arena, the program attracted nearly 100 participants, underscoring the strong interest in preparing Sri Lankan exporters for evolving global standards.

The workshop placed special emphasis on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will be fully enforced from 12 August 2026. This Regulation introduces uniform rules across all EU member States on packaging design, recyclability, waste reduction, and traceability. Strict enforcement measures, including fines, market bans, and product recalls, make compliance essential for exporters seeking continued access to the EU market.

For Sri Lanka, where Ceylon Cinnamon enjoys Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) recognition, aligning with the PPWR is critical to safeguarding brand authenticity, avoiding costly recalls, and strengthening consumer trust. Exporters were urged to focus immediately on eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals, preparing EU Declarations of Conformity, ensuring operator identification, and registering under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes across EU member States.

The resource panel featured distinguished experts from Control Union Sri Lanka, including Scheme Manager/Head of Assurance and Sustainability Gayan Ranasinghe, Certifier – Food Safety Programs Thilini Mahaarachchi, and Certifier Kasun Geeganage, alongside veteran Packaging Consultant W. Abhaya Seneviratne. Their presentations provided practical insights into selecting appropriate packaging methods and materials to maintain product quality, minimise waste, and ensure compliance with EU requirements.

Through initiatives like this, the EDB’s NPC continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s packaging sector, fostering innovation, and supporting the sustainable growth of agricultural exports. By promoting modern, compliant, and eco-friendly packaging practices, the NPC empowers exporters to enhance product value and improve readiness for international markets.