Everything you need to know about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance
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Welcome to our EPR information centre. This page is dedicated to helping you better understand everything you need to know as an Amazon selling partner about EPR rules and regulations, and how you can become and stay compliant. Learn the basic concepts of EPR and why compliance with these and other regulations is important for your company. We also outline the steps you can take to meet your EPR compliance requirements and explain the EPR services offered by Amazon.
What is EPR?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. It is an environmental policy whereby the producer of a product is responsible for its entire life cycle. The main goal of EPR is to mitigate the environmental impacts of a product, from product design right through to end-of-life management, including waste collection, sorting and recycling.
EPR was first introduced in Sweden and Germany in the 90s, and has become an important element of European waste policy. The way in which EPR is implemented may vary from country to country. If you sell products in any European country, it is your responsibility to comply with the EPR rules and regulations applicable to that country.
EPR was first introduced in Sweden and Germany in the 90s, and has become an important element of European waste policy. The way in which EPR is implemented may vary from country to country. If you sell products in any European country, it is your responsibility to comply with the EPR rules and regulations applicable to that country.
What is a producer?
Simply put, a producer is the party that first offers a product, subject to EPR requirements. A party can also be a producer if they:
• Manufacture a product in the country and sell it domestically, or
• Import a product into the country where you are based, or
• Sell a product in a country where you are not physically based.
If you are unclear on whether or not EPR is your responsibility, we advise you to seek professional advice.
• Manufacture a product in the country and sell it domestically, or
• Import a product into the country where you are based, or
• Sell a product in a country where you are not physically based.
If you are unclear on whether or not EPR is your responsibility, we advise you to seek professional advice.
What are the EPR categories?
There are several different products where EPR applies. These are known as EPR categories, which can vary depending on the country you're selling in.
The most common categories are packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, and batteries.
As new categories can always be added, it is important to keep up to date with country-specific EPR requirements.
The most common categories are packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, and batteries.
As new categories can always be added, it is important to keep up to date with country-specific EPR requirements.
What responsibilities could I have?
If you sell products in a European country, it is important that you follow the applicable EPR rules and regulations. As a producer, you typically have three types of responsibilities: financial responsibilities, return responsibilities and information responsibilities.
Financial responsibilities
You may have to pay fees to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) depending on the number of products you sell. Some countries require you to register with government authorities for an additional fee.
Return responsibilities
In some countries, you may be required to offer your customers a take-back (return) service for old items upon request.
Information responsibilities
Sometimes, you may need to share information with your customers about how they can recycle old products or provide certain information on an invoice. You will also be required to submit reports to government authorities and service providers on the quantities of products sold. And in some cases, you'll need to share proof of compliance with Amazon.
What you can do to stay EPR compliant
There are a few key things you need to do as a producer to meet EPR requirements. Of course, to ensure that you meet all of the compliance requirements, you'll need to check the regulations specific to the European country where you're selling your products.
You'll need to obtain your EPR registration number, which you can use to prove to Amazon that you're meeting the compliance requirements.
If you're ever in doubt about whether you're doing everything necessary to stay compliant with EPR regulations, you can contact EPR Services on Amazon.
You'll need to obtain your EPR registration number, which you can use to prove to Amazon that you're meeting the compliance requirements.
If you're ever in doubt about whether you're doing everything necessary to stay compliant with EPR regulations, you can contact EPR Services on Amazon.
What happens if I don't stay EPR compliant?
As a selling partner, it is a legal requirement to comply with your obligations as a producer and the EPR regulations that apply to you. If you are found to have not met the compliance requirements, Amazon may deactivate any listings you have that do not meet the requirements, or Amazon may have to fulfil them on your behalf.
Remember, by fulfilling your EPR obligations, you are doing your bit to protect the environment.
Remember, by fulfilling your EPR obligations, you are doing your bit to protect the environment.
EPR requirements: Germany
As an Amazon selling partner offering products for sale in Germany, there are EPR regulations that you have to follow across two categories: packaging and electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). You'll find the information you need about both categories below.
Packaging
When it comes to packaging, you can prove to Amazon that you are complying with applicable regulations through a 13-digit registration number called a LUCID number. You'll need to submit this information on the Compliance Information for Extended Producer Responsibility portal.
The EPR categories for packaging and paper are registered under one same EPR category and you'll only need to provide one unique identification number (UIN).
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)
If you're selling electrical and electronic appliances in Germany, you should familiarise yourself with the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).
To meet EEE EPR requirements in Germany, you'll need to register with Stiftung EAR, the German EEE authority. You will also need to ensure that all your products that fall under the scope of ElektroG are collected at the end of their service life, either through the country's municipal collection system or through your own.
To meet EEE EPR requirements in Germany, you'll need to register with Stiftung EAR, the German EEE authority. You will also need to ensure that all your products that fall under the scope of ElektroG are collected at the end of their service life, either through the country's municipal collection system or through your own.
EPR requirements: France
As an Amazon seller with products in France, there are EPR regulations that you must follow across 19 different categories. Keep in mind that new categories will also be introduced in the coming years. You can find information on how to stay EPR compliant in France below.
EPR categories in France
As of 2023, there are 19 product categories sold on Amazon.fr, including:
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)
Batteries
Packaged products*
Furniture
Textiles
Tires
Batteries
Packaged products*
Furniture
Textiles
Tires
Chemicals
Tobacco and smoking accessories
Industrial oils or mineral or synthetic lubricants
Sporting and leisure goods
DIY
Construction products and materials
Tobacco and smoking accessories
Industrial oils or mineral or synthetic lubricants
Sporting and leisure goods
DIY
Construction products and materials
Medical piercing equipment
Toys
Non-biodegradable synthetic chewing gum
Disposable sanitary materials (not reusable)
Professional packaging
Fishing gear containing plastic
Toys
Non-biodegradable synthetic chewing gum
Disposable sanitary materials (not reusable)
Professional packaging
Fishing gear containing plastic
*The EPR categories for packaging and paper are registered under one same EPR category and you'll only need to provide one unique identification number (UIN).
How to stay compliant
In France, you will need to obtain your unique identification numbers (UINs) for the products you sell on Amazon. You must submit them on the Compliance Information for Extended Producer Responsibility page to prove to Amazon that you are complying with the regulations.
You will also need to declare and pay eco-contributions to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for each EPR category that you sell. In France, PROs are known as "eco-organismes".
You will also need to declare and pay eco-contributions to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for each EPR category that you sell. In France, PROs are known as "eco-organismes".
EPR requirements: Austria
Learn more about EPR requirements and regulations for Austria.
Do you need help with EPR compliance? We have everything you need on Amazon.
From following category-specific processes to keeping up to date with country-specific regulations, get the guidance you need to stay EPR compliant as an Amazon selling partner.
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