Extended Producer Responsibility is a packaging regulation introduced to make producers more accountable for the full lifecycle of packaging they supply—from production to disposal.

The goals of EPR are to:

• Increase packaging recycling rates
• Reduce packaging waste
• Shift disposal costs from local councils to the businesses that produce packaging

Whether you’re importing, repacking, or labelling packaged goods, EPR may apply to you.

You are classed as a small producer under EPR if, in the last calendar year, your business:

• Had a turnover of £1 million or more, and
• Handled more than 25 tonnes of packaging (including packaging you imported, supplied, or placed on the UK market)

If you meet both criteria, you are legally obligated to take specific actions to comply with the EPR scheme.

From 2024 onwards, small packaging producers must:

• Register with the appropriate environmental regulator (such as the Environment Agency for England)
• Submit an annual report detailing packaging handled in the previous year
• Keep detailed records of packaging types, materials, and weights
• Pay a registration fee to the regulator

Registration deadline: 1 April each year for the previous calendar year’s data.

Failing to register or report correctly could result in financial penalties or enforcement action.

You might qualify as a packaging producer if you carry out any of the following:

• Import packaged goods into the UK
• Apply labels, branding, or repackage products
• Sell packaged goods under your own brand
• Send customer orders in packaging (including ecommerce businesses)

It’s not just about creating packaging—it’s about how you handle it.

Many small companies are unaware they qualify as producers. If you:

• Turn over £1 million or more
• Handled over 25 tonnes of packaging
• Import, rebrand, rebox, or distribute packaged products

…then you likely have EPR responsibilities.

The introduction of EPR is a significant change to packaging compliance in the UK. Even small businesses now have a role to play in reducing packaging waste.

Flame UK can help you:

• Stay up to date with future changes
• Check if you need to register
• Manage your packaging data

Our compliance specialists support businesses of all sizes with:

• EPR compliance checks
• Packaging data collection and reporting
• Waste audits and reduction strategies
• Regulatory updates and guidance

Contact us today for advice and support tailored to your business.

Stay compliant. Stay informed. Stay ahead. Flame UK is here to help.