What is extended producer responsibility (EPR) under EU law?

Dutch term: Uitgebreide producentenverantwoordelijkheid (EPR) | Legal basis: Various EU directives (WEEE, Batteries, Packaging)

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an EU policy principle that requires manufacturers and importers to take financial and operational responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products, including collection, recycling and disposal. EPR schemes are implemented through sector-specific legislation including the WEEE Directive (electrical equipment), the Battery Regulation, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

Under EPR, producers must register with the national producer responsibility organisation, report volumes placed on the market, and contribute financially to the collection and recycling system. In the Netherlands, compliance organisations (such as Stichting OPEN for electronics and Afvalfonds Verpakkingen for packaging) administer the EPR schemes. Non-compliance can result in sales prohibitions and administrative fines.

Why it matters for international businesses

For foreign manufacturers and importers placing products on the Dutch and EU market, EPR registration and fee obligations are a mandatory cost of doing business that must be factored into market entry planning.