YOUR AUTHORISED
REPRESENTATIVE
ACROSS EUROPE

Producers of packaging or certain product categories are responsible for meeting various obligations in compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). AuthoriseMe takes over your individual EPR responsibility in different EU member states within the scope of the service of an Authorised Representative.

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YOUR RESPONSIBILITY BECOMES
OUR RESPONSIBILITY

In some EU member states producers selling their products without having a registered office in these states are legally required to appoint an Authorised Representative to fulfil their obligations in the context of EPR. We offer a comprehensive solution handling EPR obligations on behalf of producers from abroad. We take over your individual EPR obligations, by concluding contracts with Authorised Representatives in your relevant

markets. With our service all aspects of your EPR compliance are covered, while we act as your single point of contact to reduce complexity in communication. By partnering with AuthoriseMe, you can streamline your EPR compliance process across Europe, saving time and resources, and avoiding potential penalties.

In some EU member states producers selling their products without having a registered office in these states are legally required to appoint an Authorised Representative to fulfil their obligations in the context of EPR. We offer a comprehensive solution handling EPR obligations on behalf of producers from abroad. We take over your individual EPR obligations, by concluding contracts with Authorised Representatives in your relevant markets. With our service all aspects of your EPR compliance are covered, while we act as your single point of contact to reduce complexity in communication. By partnering with AuthoriseMe, you can streamline your EPR compliance process across Europe, saving time and resources, and avoiding potential penalties.

OVERVIEW OF COSTS

Below, you will find detailed pricing overview for each available country, providing you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision. If you want to see the pricing structure explained by a practical example, please consult the FAQ section.

You can also explore our other FAQs for further clarification. Should you need any more assistance or have additional questions, our dedicated support team is readily available to help you.

  • Spain

    One time registration fee EUR 150,-*

    Annual handling fee 2,75% of the system participation fee starting from EUR 100,-*

    * prices don’t include VAT. For European companies the final amount will be subject to the German VAT rate of 19%.

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    This price includes
    • Conclusion of contract with the Spanish Appointed Representative
    • Conclusion of system participation contracts
    • Data reporting to the collective system
    • Coordination of payments to the collective system
    • Registration in the register of the ministry
    • Data reporting to the register of the ministry
    This price does not include
    • Participation fee of the collective system

  • Austria

    One time registration fee EUR 150,-*

    Annual handling fee 2,75% of the system participation fee starting from EUR 100,-*

    Annual B2B fee EUR 50,- per year + EUR 1,- handling fee per B2B customer per year*

    * prices don’t include VAT. For European companies the final amount will be subject to the German VAT rate of 19%

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    This price includes
    This price does not include
    • Participation fee of the collective system

  • More Countries

    Soon we will offer our service for more countries. For more information please get in contact with us.

    get in contact

  • Spain

    One time registration fee EUR 150,-*

    Annual handling fee from EUR 100,-*

  • Austria

    One time registration fee EUR 150,-*

    Annual handling fee from EUR 100,-*

    Annual B2B fee EUR 50,-/year*

  • More Countries

    Coming soon

  • Spain

    One time registration fee EUR 150,-*

    Annual handling fee from EUR 100,-*

  • Austria

    One time registration fee EUR 150,-*

    Annual handling fee from EUR 100,-*

    Annual B2B fee EUR 50,-/year*

  • More Countries

    Coming soon

THIS IS HOW WE MAKE YOU COMPLIANT

Producers are facing complex challenges

Each EU member state has its own unique laws and obligations regarding packaging and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Acting in compliance with these obligations can be challenging due to varying regulations and reporting requirements. Producers are left alone to navigate this complex landscape, taking valuable time away from their core business.

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Rely on our expertise

We take responsibility of EPR compliance by concluding contracts with Authorised Representative in each country.

We are your single point of contact for all European markets.

We ensure your EPR compliance (incl. system participation contracts and reporting requirements) in every country where an Authorised Representative is required.

OUR SERVICE EXPLAINED IN FEW STEPS

1. Onboarding

Complete the registration form to allow AuthoriseMe to manage your Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance as an Authorised Representative across different countries.

2. Authorisation

Upon successful onboarding, we will generate a Power of Attorney document, granting us the authority to act on your behalf in fulfilling your EPR obligations. This document will require a notarised signature for legal validity. If you have any questions regarding the process of notarising the Power of Attorney, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

3. Effortless Compliance

Our team handles all necessary compliance steps, including e.g., registration with national registers and participation in collective systems.

4. Ongoing sales reporting

Submit your sales volume to AuthoriseMe on a regular basis, so we can ensure that your product information is up to date and accurately reported. We will notify you well in advance when reporting is due.

5. Transparent invoicing

Based on the sales volume your company brings to local markets, you will receive invoices for any additional costs related to your compliance obligations, such as licensing fees to the collective system.

Producer
Responsibility

Reporting data and provide necessary information.

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AuthoriseMe
Responsibility

Producers are responsible for meeting various EPR obligations, including reporting, financing, and ensuring proper recycling or recovery of packaging waste:

Registration: Request for registration in the central producer register of each country where you sell your products and where an Authorised Representative is required in order to be allowed to place your products onto the market.

System Participation: Become a member of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) within all countries where you sell your products and where an Authorised Representative is required.

Financing: Contribute financially to the system according to the packaging volumes and license the packaging volumes with the PROs of each country.

Reporting: Submit detailed reports on the types, quantities, and materials used in your packaging, as well as your efforts in waste prevention and recycling.

Producer
Responsibility

Reporting data and provide necessary information.

Au.Me_Icon arrow right

AuthoriseMe
Responsibility

Producers are responsible for meeting various EPR obligations, including reporting, financing, and ensuring proper recycling or recovery of packaging waste:

Registration: Request for registration in the central producer register of each country where you sell your products and where an Authorised Representative is required in order to be allowed to place your products onto the market.

System Participation: Become a member of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) within all countries where you sell your products and where an Authorised Representative is required.

Financing: Contribute financially to the system according to the packaging volumes and license the packaging volumes with the PROs of each country.

Reporting: Submit detailed reports on the types, quantities, and materials used in your packaging, as well as your efforts in waste prevention and recycling.

FAQ

EPR Packaging

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

EPR refers to a policy approach that places the responsibility for managing the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle on the producers. When it comes to EPR for packaging, the concept is to shift the burden of managing packaging waste to the companies that produce or sell packaged products. EPR programs typically require producers to take responsibility for the collection, recycling, or proper disposal of their packaging materials after they have been used by consumers. The specific requirements and mechanisms of EPR programs for packaging can vary depending on the country or region.

Which EU countries have implemented EPR policy for packaging?

All EU member states have implemented EPR policies for packaging in accordance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) and its subsequent revisions. However, it’s important to note that the specific details and implementation of EPR programs can vary among member states, therefore it is recommended to examine each country and its specific laws carefully in order not to risk non-compliance.

When am I obliged to EPR?

Your obligation to participate in an EPR system for packaging would depend on the specific regulations and policies in your country or region. EPR programs are typically implemented at the national or regional level and may vary in their scope and requirements. In many jurisdictions, EPR for packaging is mandatory for producers who introduce packaged products into the market. Hereby, the definition of a producer may include manufacturer, importer or distributor, who, irrespective of the selling technique used, makes available packaging for the first time within a territory of an EU member States on a professional basis under its own name or trademark.

If you are unsure whether EPR compliance applies to you, we recommend that you get a brief consultation, as an EPR compliance check for your sales and distribution chain. Please be aware that this service may cause extra charges.

What are possible EPR obligations?

If you fall under EPR compliance obligations, you would likely have obligations under the EPR program. These obligations can include:

Registration: Request for registration in the central producer register of each country where you sell your product in order to be allowed to place your products onto the market.

System Participation: Become a member of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) within all countries where you sell your products.

Financing: Contribute financially to the system according to the packaging volumes and license the packaging volumes with the PROs of each country.

Reporting: Submit detailed reports on the types, quantities, and materials used in your packaging, as well as your efforts in waste prevention and recycling.

Packaging Conformity: Make sure that packaging meets the minimum requirements to be sold on the European market.

Having an Authorized Representative in a Member State where the producer makes packaging available on the market for the first time, other than the Member State where the producer is established. More information on the Authorized Representative can be found in the following FAQs.

What is a collective system / PRO (Producer Responsibility Organisation)?

Under EPR requirements, the producers can fulfil their obligation either by themselves or through a collective responsibility scheme. For the former, the producer is taking individual responsibility by acting directly with waste management actors to ensure the amount of waste brought onto the market is probably collected and recycled. For the latter, producers pursue a collective responsibility by working together to manage the amount of waste generated jointly. On this occasion, a third body within the EPR system, also called Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), assumes responsibility for fulfilling the waste management obligations of producers and, in return, is funded by the producers through a fee. The collective system manages the responsibilities and obligations related to the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of waste generated by producers.

What is the participation fee paid to the collective system?

The participation fee is a financial contribution that producers pay to the collective system as part of their extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations. This fee is intended to cover the costs associated with the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of the waste generated by their products.
The amount of the participation fee is usually determined based on various factors, including the type and quantity of products placed on the market by the producer, the materials used in the products, and the environmental impact of the products throughout their lifecycle. These factors help estimate the costs of managing the waste generated by the products.
The participation fee is typically collected by the collective organization, often a producer responsibility organization (PRO). The funds collected through these fees are then used to finance the infrastructure and operations required for waste collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal.
It’s important to note that the specific regulations and fee structures can vary between different countries and regions implementing EPR systems.

What happens if I, as a producer, fail to meet EPR compliance?

If you, as a producer, fail to meet EPR compliance requirements, the consequences can vary depending on the specific regulations and enforcement mechanisms in place. Here are some potential outcomes:
Penalties and Fines: Non-compliance with EPR obligations may result in financial penalties and fines imposed by the regulatory authority. The amount of the penalties

Legal Action: In some cases, persistent non-compliance with EPR requirements can lead to legal action, including lawsuits or legal proceedings initiated by regulatory
authorities or other stakeholders affected by the non-compliance.

Loss of Market Access: Failure to meet EPR obligations may result in restrictions or limitations on market access. Regulatory authorities may impose sanctions such as
suspending or revoking licenses or certifications necessary to operate in the market.

Reputational Damage: Non-compliance with EPR can have negative consequences for a company’s reputation. It can lead to public scrutiny, consumer backlash, and
damage to the brand image, potentially affecting customer trust and loyalty.

Corrective Actions: Regulatory authorities may require non-compliant producers to take specific corrective actions to address their non-compliance. This could involve
implementing or improving collection systems, investing in recycling infrastructure, meeting recycling targets, or adopting sustainable packaging practices.
It’s important to note that the specific consequences for non-compliance with EPR requirements can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violation. It is advisable for producers to familiarize themselves with the relevant regulations, engage in proactive compliance measures, and seek guidance from regulatory authorities or legal experts to ensure adherence to EPR obligations.

Authorised Representative

What is an Authorised Representative in the context of EPR obligations?

The Authorised Representative is a designated legal or natural person established in an EU Member State where the producer makes packaging available for the first time, and who is appointed by a producer to fulfill their legal obligations under EPR regulations related to a certain product category under EPR, such as packaging. They act as a representative for the producer and carry out various tasks on their behalf. Some national EPR regulations in Europe stipulate already an authorised representative mandatory for foreign companies.

When and Where Do I Need to Appoint an Authorised Representative for EPR in European Countries?

Companies require an Authorised Representative when they are foreign entities selling packaged goods or other products under EPR obligation in an EU member state where they do not have a registered office.

At present, some EU member state already require foreign companies to appoint an Authorised Representative to sell certain type of products to the respective country. In addition it is important to note that the current proposal of the EU packaging and packaging waste directive (status: 07/2023) will require the appointment of an Authorised Representatives for packaging and single use plastic in all EU member states, where you do not have a registered office. We strive for setting up our Authorised Representative service in all relevant markets as soon as possible.

What are the responsibilities of an Authorised Representative for packaging under EPR?

The responsibilities of an Authorised Representative are, in most cases, the EPR responsibilities of the producer. Therefore, it can vary depending on the specific EPR regulations in a particular national jurisdiction. Some common responsibilities, which are executed on behalf of the producer, may include: submitting reports and data to regulatory authorities, concluding contracts, and coordinating with Producer Responsibility Organizations, ensuring compliance with EPR obligations, and acting as a point of contact for stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Can a producer appoint multiple Authorised Representatives?

Yes and no, a producer can appoint multiple Authorised Representatives, but with certain limitations. Within a single country, such as Austria, a producer can only appoint one Authorised Representative for a specific product category like packaging. However, if the producer operates in multiple product categories within the same country, they can appoint different Authorised Representatives for each category. Additionally, since an Authorised Representative can only operate within the country of their legal office, producers will need to appoint different Authorised Representatives for different countries where their products are sold.

How does an Authorised Representative ensure compliance with EPR regulations for packaging?

An Authorised Representative ensures compliance by actively monitoring and interpreting the relevant EPR regulations pertaining to packaging. They assist the producer in implementing necessary measures such as registration, reporting, financial contributions, and other obligations to meet the requirements set by the regulatory authorities.

Why do producers appoint Authorised Representatives for EPR compliance in countries where it is not mandatory?

In some countries the appointment of an Authorised Representative is not obligatory. Many producers still choose this option because they want to streamline their EPR compliance efforts, particularly when operating in multiple jurisdictions with diverse regulations. By appointing a designated representative, producers can ensure the effective and efficient fulfillment of all obligations related to packaging waste management and recycling.

Can an Authorised Representative help producers optimize their packaging waste management and recycling efforts?

Yes, an Authorised Representative can play a pivotal role in assisting producers in optimizing their packaging waste management and recycling efforts. They can provide insights and recommendations on best practices, help identify opportunities for waste reduction, support the development of sustainable packaging strategies, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance the overall environmental performance of packaging. It’s important to note that while some Authorised Representatives may offer these additional consulting services, they might not be part of the general service and could incur additional charges.

How do I get started with AuthoriseMe services?

Step 1: Click “get started” button. An Adobe Form will open.

Step 2: Choose the countries, where you would like to have an Authorised Representative

Step 3: Fill in your company data and essential information about your packaging based on your country selection.

Step 4: To complete the Adobe Form, make sure you fill in all the fields and digitally sign the Framework Agreement. The Framework Agreement is a formal contract.
It sets out the responsibilities, obligations, and rights of both parties regarding EPR compliance. You will receive an e-mail to your mailbox.

Step 5: Verify your e-mail address (please check your spam folder, if you did not receive any e-mail). You will receive an e-mail with general Power of Attorney in
attachment.

Step 6: The Power of Attorney allows AuthoriseMe to handle all your EPR compliance matters, for example to appoint Authorised Representatives in the selected
countries. This Power of Attorney needs to be notarized and needs to have an apostille. You will get an instruction via the e-mail. You will receive an invoice with the
payment link.

Step 7: Please make sure to pay the invoice to AuthoriseMe within the next days.

ALL SET UP: Essential information provided, framework agreement signed, original Power of Attorney are sent via post and copy via e-mail, invoice paid.

What fees for the Authorised Representative service will be charged?

One time registration fee: This one-time fee only applies to the initial conclusion of the contract with AuthoriseMe.

Annual handling fee: This fee is charged each year and is based on the system participation cost. Please have a further look at the FAQ “How does the pricing structure look like”

Annual B2B fees are charges that apply to producers selling products Business-to-Business (B2B) in Austria. If your company sells products B2B, there is a base annual fee of EUR 50. Additionally, AuthoriseMe charges EUR 1 for each B2B customer to whom you have sold your products.

To determine the precise amount of these fees, AuthoriseMe will request a list of your B2B clients by the end of the calendar year. This information will be used to calculate the applicable charges. These fees will then be included in the final annual invoice you receive from us for that calendar year.

How does the pricing structure look in practice?

Pricing example:
Year 1: Customer concludes contract.

1. Payments up front:
150 Euro Registration Fee

100 Euro Handling Fee

2. Payment due with the data reporting (only an example):
System participation fee, charged by the collective system for the respective amount of packaging placed on the market: e.g. 5.000 Euro for the system participation (this is a fee charged by the collective system  and will be forwarded to the collective system).

Handling fee charged by AuthoriseMe: 2,75% handling fee: 5.000*2,75% = 137,5 Euro. 100 Euro of handling fee have already been charged at the beginning of the year. Those will be deducted from the 137,5 Euro. 137,5 Euro – 100 Euro = 37,5 Euro

Invoice for data reporting: 5.000 Euro system participation cost + 37,5 Euro handling fee = 5.037,5 Euro (whereof 5.000 will be forwarded to the collective system for the collection, sorting and recycling of the packaging).

What is the notarial certificate for Austria, which is included in the price for Austria?

The notarial certificate for Austria is a necessary document to create a legally binding connection between the customer and the Authorised Representative in Austria. This representative is given a special legal permission called „power of attorney“ to act on customer’s behalf and to fulfill the EPR obligations in Austria. To make this permission valid, it must be certified by a notary to prove that it’s real. Our company handles this process as part of our services.

Please note that the general Power of Attorney, requested in the button “order Authorised Representative” between AuthoriseMe and the customer, still has to be done by the customer. 

What does it mean to conclude contracts with Authorised Representative in the selected countries?

The primary service offered by AuthoriseMe is to facilitate the conclusion of Authorised Representative contracts in the selected countries on behalf of their customers.

Once customers provide the necessary documents (available via the button “Order Authorised Representative now”) AuthoriseMe takes care of the entire process of concluding contracts with the respective Authorised Representatives in the selected countries. This saves customers from the complexity of dealing with multiple representatives in different countries themselves.

Moreover, AuthoriseMe is continuously expanding its service to include more countries. As new Authorised Representatives are appointed in additional countries, AuthoriseMe keeps its customers informed about these developments. This way, customers have the flexibility to extend their coverage to more countries through the same trusted platform.

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