Understanding EPR France - A Guide For Businesses
Introduction to EPR in France
First introduced on January 1, 2022, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework in France that places the responsibility for the end-of-life management of products on the manufacturers, importers, or distributors of those products. This regulation ensures that businesses contribute to the recycling and disposal of their products, fostering a more sustainable environment.
Who is affected by French EPR regulations?
EPR regulations in France apply to your business if you:
- Manufacture a product subject to EPR requirements within France.
- Import a product subject to EPR requirements into France.
- Sell a product subject to EPR requirements in France, even if you are not established there.
If your business is involved with products that qualify for the EPR scheme, you will be expected to finance the management of the resulting waste. After registering with the relevant authority, you will receive a unique identification number (EPR number), which must be provided to buyers.
Impact on marketplace sellers
For those selling in France through online marketplaces like Amazon, compliance with EPR regulations is mandatory. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and suspension from selling in France. Marketplaces require proof of compliance, which involves providing them with your EPR number.
EPR categories in France
The following product categories have been implemented over time since the introduction of French EPR regulations.
- Packaging
- Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EEE)
- Batteries
- Furniture
- Tires
- Paper
- Textiles
- Construction products
- Sports and leisure
- DIY and gardening articles
- Oils
- Tobacco
- Toys
- Chewing gum
- Sanitary textiles
- Fishing equipment (due to be implemented in 2025)
- Catering packaging (TBC)
How EcoTax can help with your EPR compliance
Registering for EPR compliance in France is simple with EcoTax. We'll guide you on what information we need and when, and then we'll handle everything else. From your side, there’s very little you need to do.
Our dedicated customer care team will manage all the details for you, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish:
- Once we receive the necessary information and documents, we'll register you for an EPR number in each applicable product category, ensuring your compliance throughout.
- If you sell through a marketplace, you can then provide them with the relevant EPR numbers.
- Your only remaining responsibility will be to submit periodic EPR reports and any due payments to EcoTax. These eco-payments will be based on your sales quantities.
Additional obligations
French EPR regulations also require businesses to inform consumers about the environmentally responsible disposal of their products. This can be achieved through labeling, packaging, or other communication methods. The Triman logo, for example, must now appear on all packaging in France.
Penalties for non-compliance
Failing to register can result in fines of up to €30,000. Providing inaccurate product quantities can lead to fines of up to €15,000. If you sell through an online marketplace, non-compliance will result in the suspension of your seller account.
Let Taxually do the hard work
Navigating the EPR registration process can be complex, with each category having specific requirements. Professional assistance is recommended to avoid mistakes and ensure full compliance. EcoTax by Taxually offers specialized services to help businesses understand their obligations, register correctly, and manage their reporting and financial contributions effectively.
Book a free call with one of our experts to find out how we can help your business succeed in this new and evolving regulatory environment.
