FAQ
Find answers to the most common questions about our services, processes, and requirements. Our FAQs are designed to give you quick and clear guidance at every step.
If you still have questions or need further assistance, our support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
EPR PACKAGING
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that makes producers responsible for the environmental impact of their products throughout the entire lifecycle. For packaging, this includes collection, recycling, and proper disposal. Requirements vary by country.
All EU Member States have implemented EPR requirements for packaging under Directive 94/62/EC. However, national regulations differ in detail.
Obligations depend on national legislation. In many cases, manufacturers, importers, or distributors placing packaged products on the market must comply.
Typical obligations include registration, system participation (joining a PRO), reporting, and financing waste management systems.
A PRO (collective system) assumes responsibility for fulfilling producers’ waste management obligations and is funded via producer fees.
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.
Consequences can include penalties and fines, legal action, loss of market access, reputational damage, and corrective actions required by authorities. The exact consequences vary by jurisdiction.
AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE
An 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, appointed to fulfil legal obligations under EPR regulations for a specific product category (e.g., packaging).
Companies may require an Authorised Representative when they sell packaged goods (or other EPR‑relevant products) in an EU Member State where they do not have a registered office. Some countries already require this for foreign companies. A proposal for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (status: 07/2023) may extend the requirement for packaging and single-use plastic.
Responsibilities often mirror the producer’s EPR duties and can vary by jurisdiction. Common tasks include submitting reports/data to authorities, concluding contracts, coordinating with PROs, ensuring compliance, and acting as a point of contact for stakeholders and regulators.
A PoA is a legal requirement in many countries and authorises AuthoriseMe to act on your behalf to fulfil EPR obligations (e.g., registrations). Some jurisdictions require notarisation and/or apostille, which may incur additional costs. More details are provided in the PoA document.
Yes and no. Within a single country, a producer can typically appoint only one Authorised Representative per product category (e.g., packaging). If the producer operates in multiple product categories, different representatives can be appointed per category. Producers generally need different representatives for different countries.
Example for Austria:
1. <1500 kg packaging waste on the market in Austria.
2. Annual service fee: €199.
3. Annual authorised representative fee: €75 (may increase above 1500 kg).
4. If you took pre‑licensing obligation for B2B partners in Austria: additional annual fee of €125.
Prices increase with quantity and also depend on waste stream and country.
They ensure compliance by monitoring and interpreting relevant EPR regulations and helping implement necessary measures such as registration, reporting, financial contributions, and other obligations required by authorities.
To streamline EPR compliance efforts when operating across multiple jurisdictions with diverse regulations, ensuring effective and efficient fulfilment of obligations related to packaging waste management and recycling.
Yes. They can provide best-practice recommendations, identify opportunities for waste reduction, support sustainable packaging strategies, and collaborate with stakeholders. Such consulting services may not be included in the general service and could incur additional charges.
Step 1: Click on “Create account” in the navigation.
Step 2: Enter your name and email address and accept the terms and conditions.
Step 3: Verify your email address and enter the one-time password.
Step 4: Log in and provide your company details.
Step 5: Start the authorised representative order and enter the required countries and packaging information.
Step 6: Review your details and submit the order.
Step 7: Pay the invoice and sign the power of attorney (notarisation may be required depending on the country).
Done: Respond to any follow-up questions if necessary. AuthoriseMe will then begin handling your EPR obligations.
registration-fee
- One-time registration fee (initial conclusion of the contract).
- Annual Service Fee (operational costs).
- Annual Authorised Representative Fee (liability/risk related to quantities placed on markets).
- Annual B2B fees (only for producers who took over licensing responsibility for B2B partners, e.g. Austria).
- PoA notarisation/apostille may be legally required in some countries and can incur additional costs.
AuthoriseMe facilitates concluding Authorised Representative contracts in selected countries on behalf of customers. After customers provide required documents (via “Order Authorised Representative now”), AuthoriseMe manages the process with the respective representatives, reducing complexity. The service is expanding to more countries and customers are informed about new coverage.
In Spain, the NIE is an identification number required for foreigners for many official activities. The NIF is the tax identification number; for foreigners, the NIE often serves as their NIF. Both are crucial for legal, financial, or administrative activities in Spain.
No. The system participation fee is charged separately by the PRO in the chosen country. AuthoriseMe supports selecting the appropriate PRO and facilitating the contract process.
Typical steps: appoint an authorised representative, register on the DIVID portal, submit an annual report in March for the previous year, and pay the SUP fee based on the report. AuthoriseMe can initially handle payment to the German Ministry and re‑invoice clients. The SUP fee is in addition to AuthoriseMe’s annual handling fees.
You generally do not need a new contract or a new PoA. To add another country, create or use your account and place a new order for the additional countries; you will receive a new invoice automatically.
Do you have any specific questions for our consultants? Get in touch with us. We will gladly help you!
