Two Mandatory National Standards for Courier Packaging Implemented on July 1, Restricting Non-Degradable Plastic Courier Bags

Issuer: State Post Bureau, SAC, Effective July 1, 2026 Two mandatory national standards for logistics packaging came into force nationwide on July 1, tightening supervision over flexible plastic courier bags used by e-commerce and fresh food logistics:

1. Requirements for Restricting Excessive Courier Packaging: Multi-layer wrapping with ordinary plastic film is prohibited. Disposable plastic courier bags are banned without waterproof demands. Single-piece small parcels only allow single-layer packaging, and the consumption of disposable plastic supplies must be cut by over 60% year-on-year. Non-compliant outlets will receive rectification notices and face delivery restrictions for repeated violations.
2. Guangdong Provincial Express Regulation (Guangdong handles 23% of China’s total parcels): All courier outlets across the province must limit non-degradable plastic bags and plastic tapes, and prioritize compostable PE/PBAT courier bags and reusable fabric bags, setting a national benchmark for plastic restriction in logistics.
3. Unified Technical Threshold: All plastic courier bags must meet GB/T 41010-2021 labeling rules for biodegradable products, with a minimum degradation rate of 90%. Products without valid test reports are banned from procurement by logistics companies.

Industry Impact: Market demand for conventional PE courier bags keeps shrinking, while orders for compostable flexible packaging and reusable packaging grow rapidly. Packaging manufacturers need to complete full biodegradation testing certifications.