What you need to know about EPR!

What you need to know about EPR!

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility, commonly referred to as EPR, is a regulatory framework that requires producers to take full responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. This includes the end-of-life phase, such as recycling and disposal. In Austria, both producers and importers are obligated to comply with EPR requirements for specific product categories. These include packaging, single-use plastics, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and batteries.

Which Products Are Covered Under EPR in Austria?

Packaging

Any business importing goods into Austria, including online sellers, must comply with the Austrian Packaging Act. This means registering with the appropriate system and appointing an authorized representative. The regulation applies to various types of packaging materials, such as:

· Paper and cardboard

· Composite packaging

· Textile fibers

· Aluminum

· Wood

· Glass

· Polystyrene

· Steel

Single-Use Plastics

This category covers plastic products designed for short-term or one-time use. Examples include food containers, plastic wrappers, beverage containers, plastic bags, wipes, stirrers, straws, balloons, and plastic boxes. It's important to note that plastic-based packaging is also included under this regulation.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

WEEE covers a wide range of electrical and electronic products. These are generally divided into six categories:

· Refrigeration and heat exchange equipment

· Monitors and display screens

· Lamps

· Large appliances with a dimension greater than 50 cm

· Small electronic devices

· Small IT and telecom equipment

Batteries

Batteries are regulated under Austria’s Battery Management Act. Products containing batteries must be registered under one of the following four categories:

· Automotive batteries

· Industrial batteries

· Vehicle starter batteries

· Button cells

Manufacturers and importers of batteries are required to ensure proper recycling or disposal through approved battery collection schemes.

What Are Your Responsibilities as a Seller?

From 2023 onwards, major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Zalando, Joom, Alibaba, and others have begun enforcing EPR compliance for sellers operating in Austria. Non-compliance may result in penalties, product listing suspensions, or even legal action.

To comply, sellers must contract with an officially recognized collection and recovery organization for each applicable product category. Once registered, businesses are required to submit regular reports and pay EPR fees. These payments are typically based on the amount of product placed on the Austrian market and the size of the business.

If you are a non-resident seller, you must appoint a local authorized representative to act on your behalf. This representative is responsible for handling the registration and reporting process before your business can participate in any recycling system.

TBA Ecofuture Can Support Your EPR Needs

Navigating Austria’s EPR laws can be complicated, especially for cross-border sellers. TBA Ecofuture is here to assist you in meeting all compliance requirements efficiently and accurately. We offer complete support for EPR registration, reporting, and authorized representation. Whether you are new to the Austrian market or expanding your operations across the EU, we help ensure your business remains compliant and protected from regulatory risks.

Contact us to get your free consultation.