News Details

On 20 October 2026, the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position on proposals to simplify extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements for small businesses. The proposed changes cover packaging, batteries, textiles, footwear, electronics, and single-use plastics and are part of the EU’s Environmental Omnibus package. 

Temporary Exemption for Small Businesses 

MEPs support temporarily exempting EU-based small and micro enterprises from the obligation to appoint an authorised representative for EPR compliance in each Member State in which they sell their products. This exemption would apply to businesses with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total below €10 million. It would remain in place until 2035 or until a more comprehensive Circular Economy Act is adopted. 

The proposed exemption would leave other EPR obligations unchanged, including waste-prevention requirements and fees supporting the collection, sorting, and recycling of products. Parliament also called for improved information exchange between Member States, interoperable digital systems, and common reporting requirements to further reduce administrative burdens. 

Link to the PPWR 

The packaging proposal concerns the requirement under Article 45(3) of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, for EU-based producers selling packaging or packaged products directly to end users in another member state to appoint an authorised representative for EPR compliance. The Parliament’s proposed suspension would apply only to eligible micro and small enterprises, while their other EPR obligations would remain unchanged. 

Next Steps 

The position covering batteries and packaging waste received 616 votes in favour, while the position covering textiles, footwear, electronics, and single-use plastics received 612 votes in favour. These measures are not yet law. Negotiations on the final texts can begin once the Council adopts its position.