Key takeaways
- EPR packaging rules now apply in Spain — Manufacturers, importers, and online sellers must ensure proper packaging disposal or recycling under new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.
- Marketplaces share responsibility — Platforms like Amazon must verify that all sellers on their sites comply with Spanish EPR packaging regulations.
- Compliance requires registration and reporting — Businesses must appoint an EPR representative, register with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), and meet ongoing reporting and eco-contribution obligations.
Spain has updated its packaging regulations, impacting product manufacturers and online sellers, including those using platforms like Amazon. These changes are part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, emphasizing the producers' accountability for post-sale packaging disposal. Companies must ensure eco-friendly disposal or recycling of packaging to support environmental sustainability, and the EPR compliance process involves payments to waste management organizations.
Who needs to comply with Spanish EPR packaging laws?
Any entity introducing new, packaged products into the Spanish market for commercial purposes must comply. This includes manufacturers, importers, packing companies, and economic operators importing packaged products for the Spanish market. In cases where the producer is unidentified, distribution brands must fulfill these obligations.
Online marketplaces are now responsible for making sure that sellers on their platforms adhere to these regulations. They need to verify sellers' registration and see that they abide by EPR packaging rules.
How to ensure compliance with Spanish EPR regulations
Below are the main steps businesses need to take to become EPR compliant for packaging in Spain.
Select an EPR service provider:
- If your entity is VAT-registered in Spain, you must appoint a local EPR representative.
- Select a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
Obtain a registration number:
- Your Spanish representative will handle the application for a packaging registration number.
- Once received, add this number to your marketplace profiles.
Meet your EPR obligations:
- Make regular payments of eco-contributions.
- Fulfill reporting duties.
- Prepare eco-design business plans.
- Ensure compliance with invoice and packaging information requirements.
It’s also important to note that producers may need to report packaging sold in 2021 and 2022, although fees are applicable only from 2023 onwards.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new Spanish EPR packaging regulations?
Spain’s updated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws make producers accountable for the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging after products are sold, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.
Who must comply with these packaging laws?
Any business introducing packaged goods into the Spanish market — including manufacturers, importers, packers, and distributors — must comply. If the producer isn’t identified, the distribution brand assumes responsibility.
Do online marketplaces like Amazon have obligations?
Yes. Marketplaces must verify that sellers are properly registered and compliant with Spanish EPR packaging regulations before allowing them to sell.
How can businesses become compliant?
Companies need to appoint a local EPR representative (if VAT-registered in Spain), join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), obtain a packaging registration number, and meet ongoing reporting and eco-contribution obligations.
Are there any retroactive reporting requirements?
Yes. Producers may need to report packaging placed on the Spanish market in 2021 and 2022, although EPR-related fees only apply from 2023 onwards.
