What Are the EU SUP Symbols?

The EU SUP symbols indicate that a product contains plastic, show which disposal methods must be avoided and warn about the environmental impact of incorrect disposal.

They were introduced under Directive (EU) 2019/904. Their design, size and placement are specified in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151.

When Are the Symbols Required?

The symbols have been required since 3 July 2021 for the specified single-use products containing plastic.

• Sanitary products and wet wipes must be marked on their sales and grouped packaging.
• Tobacco products with filters must be marked on the unit packet and outside packaging.
• Separately marketed tobacco filters must be marked on their packaging.
• Beverage cups must be marked on the cup itself.

The packaging symbol is not required where the packaging has a surface area of less than 10 cm². This exemption does not apply to beverage cups.

Which Products Need an EU SUP Symbols?

• Sanitary towels
• Tampons and tampon applicators
• Wet wipes for personal care or domestic use
• Tobacco products with filters
• Filters marketed for use with tobacco products
• Beverage cups made partly from plastic
• Beverage cups made wholly from plastic

The requirement does not apply to every product or package containing plastic.

Language Requirements

The information text must be in the official language or languages required in each Member State where the product is placed on the market.

The downloads on this page contain English text. Download the official symbols in other EU languages from the European Commission.

Size and Design Requirements

For packaging surfaces below 65 cm², the minimum symbol size is 1.4 x 2.8 cm. On larger surfaces, the symbol must cover at least 6% of the relevant surface. The maximum required size is 3 x 6 cm.

For beverage cups below 500 ml, the minimum size is 1.4 x 2.8 cm. For cups of 500 ml or more, the minimum size is 1.6 x 3.2 cm.

Do not alter the design, proportions or prescribed colours. Printed symbols must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi at their actual printed size.

The symbols for packaging and cups made partly from plastic must be printed. For cups made wholly from plastic, either the printed or engraved or embossed version may be used.

What If the Symbols Are Missing?

A product that requires the symbol but does not carry it may be considered non-compliant. National authorities or marketplaces may require corrective labelling, restrict sales or take other enforcement action.

Download the EU SUP Symbols

Here you can download all English language symbols. For other languages, visit the European Commission website.

Plastic in Product - Sanitary Towels

Use this version for the packaging of sanitary towels containing plastic.

1_EN_Annex I_1_Plastic in product.png
1_EN_Annex I_1_Plastic in product.svg
1_EN_Annex I_1_Plastic in product.pdf

Plastic in Product - Tampons and Applicators

Use this version for the packaging of tampons and tampon applicators containing plastic.

2_EN_Annex I_2_Plastic in product.png
2_EN_Annex I_2_Plastic in product.svg
2_EN_Annex I_2_Plastic in product.pdf

Plastic in Product - Wet Wipes

Use this version for pre-wetted personal care and domestic wipes containing plastic.

3_EN_Annex II_1_Plastic in product.png
3_EN_Annex II_1_Plastic in product.svg
3_EN_Annex II_1_Plastic in product.pdf

Plastic in Filter - Tobacco Products and Filters

Use this version for tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use with tobacco products.

4_EN_Annex III_1_Plastic in filter.png
4_EN_Annex III_1_Plastic in filter.svg
4_EN_Annex III_1_Plastic in filter.pdf

Plastic in Product - Beverage Cups

Use this version for beverage cups made partly from plastic.

5_EN_Annex IV_1_Plastic in product.png
5_EN_Annex IV_1_Plastic in product.svg
5_EN_Annex IV_1_Plastic in product.pdf

Made of Plastic - Printed Version

Use this printed version for beverage cups made wholly from plastic.

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6_EN_Annex IV_2_1st entry_Made of plastic.svg
6_EN_Annex IV_2_1st entry_Made of plastic.pdf

Made of Plastic - Engraved or Embossed Version

Use this version when the symbol is engraved or embossed on a beverage cup made wholly from plastic.

7_EN_Annex IV_2_2nd entry_Made of plastic.png7_EN_Annex IV_2_2nd entry_Made of plastic.svg7_EN_Annex IV_2_2nd entry_Made of plastic.pdf

The thin white border is part of the coloured symbols. Any black outer line or grey background shown in an official preview is only used to provide contrast and is not part of the symbol.

The files are provided as a design resource. Always verify the correct symbol, language, size and placement for your product and market.

Looking for national SUP symbols? View all single-use plastic symbols.

You Might Also Need These Symbols

Products and packaging may also require national EPR and recycling symbols. Beverage cups may additionally require food contact symbols.