EU Committee Backs Temporary EPR Simplification for Small Companies
Reference source : European Parliament
The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety has backed a temporary suspension of the requirement for EU-based micro and small enterprises to appoint authorised representatives for extended producer responsibility (EPR). The proposals cover batteries, packaging, textiles, footwear, electronic appliances and single-use plastics.
Under EPR rules, producers are responsible for managing their products throughout their life cycle, including the waste stage. The proposed suspension concerns the requirement to appoint an authorised representative in each Member State.
Suspension limited to smaller companies
While the European Commission proposed a complete suspension of the representative requirement until 2035, the committee MEPs want to limit it to EU-based companies with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total below €10 million. Companies based outside the European Union would still need to appoint representatives.
MEPs also support the suspension ending automatically once comprehensive circularity rules enter into force. They are calling for better information sharing between Member States, interoperable digital systems, and common reporting requirements to further reduce administrative burdens.
Next steps
The committee’s positions are expected to be confirmed by Parliament’s plenary session on 19–22 October 2026. Once confirmed, Parliament will be ready to begin negotiations with the Council.
The proposals form part of the environmental omnibus package and are intended as temporary measures ahead of the comprehensive Circular Economy Act that the Commission is expected to propose later in 2026.