Based on the compliance requirements of the EU Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the guiding framework for environmental protection systems, different EU countries/regions have gradually developed their EPR systems to identify producer responsibilities.
1. What is EPR?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a European Union environmental policy requirement. Based on the "polluter pays" principle, producers are required to reduce the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life cycle, and to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of the products they put on the market (i.e. from the production and design of the products to the management and disposal of waste). Overall, EPR aims to improve the quality of the environment by preventing and reducing the environmental impacts of goods such as packaging and packaging waste, electronic goods, and batteries.
2. Austrian EPR Compliance Requirements
According to the Austrian Waste Management Act (AWG), the Austrian Packaging Act (Verpack-VO), the Austrian Ordinance on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EAG-VO) and the Austrian Battery Ordinance (Batt-VO), producers are required to register their products according to the type of goods and to file regular reports and pay relevant environmental fees. Producers are required to register with the Austrian EPR according to the type of goods, make regular reports and pay relevant environmental fees. Overseas producers are required to appoint a qualified Authorized Representative who will assist them in fulfilling their EPR obligations under the Austrian regulations.
3. At present, the categories of products covered by Austrian EPR are mainly packaging (including disposable plastic products), electronic and electrical products, and battery products.
1、Packaging : Product boxes and packaging (e.g. boxes with toys), transportation boxes, transportation labels, straps, tapes, etc.
2. Electronic and electrical products: temperature switches, household products, lamps, fire extinguishers, light bulbs, solar panels and professional electronic products, etc.
3、Batteries: portable, automotive and industrial batteries, etc.
4. Disposable plastic products, disposable plastic tableware, disposable plastic bags and plastic-containing fishing gear, etc.
4. How do merchants have to comply with EPR requirements?
Merchants outside of Austria are required to register and file EPRs through a third-party professional service provider or by appointing an authorized representative in Austria.
With regard to packaging, if you place less than 1,500 kg of commercial and domestic packaging in the Austrian market during the year (natural year), you can choose to pay a flat fee instead of declaring specific data, please consult the Green Circle team for details.
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