What is PyPA (Python Packaging Authority)?
The Python Packaging Authority (PyPA) is the working group that maintains the tools most Python developers use to package, share, and install software. It also maintains the official Python Packaging User Guide.
PyPA’s most widely used projects handle distinct parts of the packaging workflow: pip installs packages, setuptools builds them, wheel defines the binary distribution format, and twine uploads them to PyPI. A full list of PyPA projects covers additional tools for dependency resolution, metadata standards, and more.
PyPA’s governance was originally described in PEP 609. In April 2026, PEP 772 replaced that model with an elected Packaging Council that holds authority over packaging standards and the Packaging User Guide.
Many tools in the Python packaging ecosystem are not affiliated with PyPA, including poetry, pdm, and conda.
Learn More
- PyPA website
- What is PEP 772? (Packaging Council governance)