Australia · Packaging

Australia Packaging Covenant (APCO)

A practical guide to Australia Packaging Covenant (APCO) for packaging sold in Australia: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Brand owners and importers placing packaging on the Australian market; E-commerce and retail packaging

Authority

Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)

Legal basis

National Packaging Targets; Australian Packaging Covenant

Local representative

The Australian brand owner is responsible for membership

Timeline

Membership before reporting cycles; annual reporting

Cost

Membership fees are turnover based

If you do not comply

Not a direct fine regime, but retail and marketplace requirements apply

Who needs this

Brand owners and importers placing packaging on the Australian market
E-commerce and retail packaging

Documents you need

APCO membership and action plan
Packaging sustainability data
Recyclability assessment for each component

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

APCO membership and action plan
Packaging sustainability data
Recyclability assessment for each component

How to comply

Confirm packaging obligations as a brand owner
Join APCO and submit an action plan
Assess packaging against the recyclability criteria
Report progress annually

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Australia Packaging Covenant (APCO) — Australia
Product category: Packaging
Authority: Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)
Legal basis: National Packaging Targets; Australian Packaging Covenant

Documents we already have:
  1. APCO membership and action plan
  2. Packaging sustainability data
  3. Recyclability assessment for each component

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Australia Packaging Covenant (APCO) in Australia?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Membership before reporting cycles; annual reporting.

Membership fees are turnover based.

Common rejection reasons

No APCO membership
Action plan not submitted
Packaging data inconsistent

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.