Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the rule that trips up more Amazon sellers than almost any other — because it isn’t one law, it’s a different registration in every country. And from August 2026 the net gets wider. Here’s a clear, country-by-country map so you know exactly where you need to register.
What is EPR, and why does Amazon care?
EPR makes the “producer” (which, for imports, is usually you the seller) financially responsible for the end-of-life disposal and recycling of what you put on the market — primarily packaging, but also electricals (WEEE), batteries and, in some countries, textiles and furniture. You register with a national scheme, get a registration number, and report the volumes you sell.
Amazon now requires valid EPR registration numbers in Seller Central for the relevant markets. No number, and Amazon can suppress your offers in that country.
EPR country-by-country (packaging)
- Germany — the strictest. The Packaging Act (VerpackG) requires registration in the LUCID register plus a contract with a dual system, before your first sale. No minimum volume. See our LUCID guide.
- France — you register with an approved take-back scheme and receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for each waste stream (packaging, EEE, batteries, furniture, textiles, print).
- Spain — packaging EPR has applied since 1 January 2023. On Amazon.es you submit a separate EPR registration number (ERN) for each product category.
- Austria — obligations cover packaging, electrical equipment (WEEE) and batteries, and foreign online sellers are in scope.
- Italy — historically lighter on foreign retailers for packaging, but Amazon has been rolling out mandatory EPR numbers for various categories from late 2025 into 2026.
The big change: PPWR from 12 August 2026
The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) starts to apply from 12 August 2026, harmonising and tightening packaging rules across the whole EU. In practical terms for FBA sellers: if Amazon stores or ships your products in a country, you’ll be expected to hold packaging EPR registration in every EU country you sell to — not just Germany and France. Getting ahead of this now avoids a scramble later.
How to get registered
- Work out which waste streams apply to your products (packaging almost always; plus WEEE/batteries if relevant).
- Register in each required country — directly with the national register or through a compliance service / authorised representative.
- Enter each registration number into Amazon Seller Central.
- Report your volumes on the required schedule and keep your registrations current.
EPR is one piece of the EU puzzle alongside GPSR, VAT/OSS and your EORI number. See the full guide to selling on Amazon in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EU countries require packaging EPR for Amazon sellers?
Germany, France, Spain and Austria already enforce packaging EPR for online sellers, and Amazon requires the numbers in Seller Central. Italy is being added via Amazon requirements, and from 12 August 2026 the PPWR effectively extends packaging EPR obligations across every EU country you sell to.
Is there a sales threshold before EPR applies?
Generally no. Germany’s LUCID, for example, applies from the very first item sold in packaging — there is no minimum volume. Register before you start selling in a market.
What happens if I don’t have an EPR number?
Amazon can suppress your listings in that marketplace, and national authorities can impose fines. Because Amazon checks for valid numbers, missing EPR is one of the fastest ways to lose your offers in a country.
Does EPR only cover packaging?
No. Packaging is the most common, but EPR can also cover electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), batteries, and in some countries textiles and furniture. You register separately for each relevant waste stream.
Not sure which EPR registrations your catalogue needs across the EU? Book a free consultation. This is general guidance, not legal advice.