EU tightens ERP, retailers face risk of distribution ban.

From August 2026, the EU will require retailers to fulfill their EPR responsibilities for private label and imported goods.

From August 12, 2026, the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will officially come into effect, bringing about major changes to the expanded producer responsibility (EPR). Accordingly, retail businesses will be directly financially responsible for the collection and recycling of packaging from their own-brand products and imported products that do not have a domestic intermediary.

Notably, the EU does not apply a transition period. The obligation to participate in the EPR system must be fulfilled before a product is launched onto the market. Businesses that fail to adapt in time risk being banned from distributing their goods.

From August 2026, the EU will require retailers to fulfill their EPR responsibilities for private label and imported goods. Photo: Yahoo.

According to the new regulations, EPR responsibility will shift from the supplier to the brand owner. For private label products, the company that owns the brand or trademark will be responsible, instead of the manufacturer or packaging supplier. Similarly, for imported goods, the first entity to introduce the product to the market where the packaging becomes waste will be responsible for EPR.

The German Central Packaging Registry (ZSVR) warns that if businesses previously stopped declaring packaging volumes while retailers have not yet completed registration, the packaging collection and recycling system could face a serious financial gap. This would not only affect the operation of the competitive recycling system but also make it difficult to meet the EU's mandatory recycling targets.

To prepare for this change, ZSVR recommends that retailers urgently: Collect data on packaging volume and materials from suppliers; Adjust or renew contracts with EPR implementing organizations to cover all generated volume; Update brand information in the LUCID Packaging Registration System; Accurately report projected production and generated packaging volume; Maintain complete records and data for future inspection and verification.

ZSVR emphasizes that all preparatory steps must be completed before August 12, 2026. Delays or non-compliance could lead to a ban on the product's circulation in the market, and also affect the stability of the packaging recycling system in Europe.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/eu-siet-epr-nha-ban-le-doi-mat-nguy-co-cam-phan-phoi-hang-d814200.html