Liechtenstein faces enforcement action under European Economic Area (EEA) waste rules after failing to meet the minimum recycling target for wooden packaging waste. The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has opened infringement proceedings against the country following data showing no recorded recycling of wooden packaging waste in 2023.
Under EEA legislation aligned with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, Liechtenstein has been required since 2008 to recycle at least 15% of its wooden packaging waste. The latest figures reported by the country indicate that this target was not met.
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The case forms part of ESA’s role in monitoring how EEA rules on packaging waste and recycling are implemented in the EFTA states participating in the single market.
Failure to meet wooden packaging recycling target
The EFTA Surveillance Authority said its assessment of national reporting data shows that Liechtenstein recorded no recycling of wooden packaging waste in 2023. This falls short of the minimum recycling requirement set for wooden packaging under EEA environmental legislation.
Wooden packaging waste includes transport pallets, crates and industrial packaging used widely in manufacturing, logistics and supply chains.
Recycling and reuse of these materials are considered important elements of European waste policy, as they reduce landfill disposal and support the circular use of raw materials.
Material-specific recycling targets under the directive cover several packaging categories, including wood, plastics, metals and glass. The wood packaging recycling target of 15% has applied to EEA countries for more than a decade.
Infringement procedure begins
ESA has issued a letter of formal notice, the first step in a legal enforcement process under the EEA Agreement. The authority supervises compliance with EEA legislation in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Through this procedure, ESA requests that national authorities explain how they intend to address the issue and bring their systems into compliance with the directive. If the response does not resolve the matter, the authority may issue a reasoned opinion requiring corrective action.
Continued non-compliance can lead to a referral to the EFTA Court, which has the power to rule on whether a state has failed to meet its obligations under the EEA Agreement.
Packaging recycling and circular economy goals
Packaging recycling targets form a core part of European circular economy policy, which aims to reduce waste, improve recycling systems and promote efficient use of resources across industries.
Wooden packaging waste represents a significant stream within logistics and transport sectors. Recycling or reusing pallets and crates can lower demand for new timber and reduce environmental impacts linked to waste disposal.
As environmental legislation across the EEA continues to evolve, authorities are increasing scrutiny of national recycling performance.
Liechtenstein now has the opportunity to respond to ESA’s notice and outline measures to meet the wooden packaging recycling target and comply with EEA packaging waste rules.
