UK EPR for Packaging — who is affected, registration and fees (2026)

What is UK EPR for packaging (pEPR)?

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for packaging is a UK scheme under which the costs of collecting and managing packaging waste are transferred to the businesses that place packaging on the market. It replaces the earlier PRN system with broader data-reporting obligations and waste disposal fees.

Who is affected — does your business qualify?

The reporting obligation arises when you meet both conditions simultaneously: annual turnover of at least £1 million and responsibility for supplying or importing more than 25 tonnes of packaging to the UK market in the previous calendar year. The regulations distinguish between small and large producers — large producers have full obligations (detailed data, waste disposal fees, recycling obligations), while small producers report in a narrower scope. Check the precise thresholds and definitions on gov.uk.

Who counts as a "producer" in the supply chain?

A "producer" for pEPR purposes is the business that is first to place a packaged product on the UK market or imports it — this could be an importer, brand owner, distance seller or online marketplace operator. Identifying who in your supply chain is the obligated producer is the first and most important step, because that party bears the obligations and the fees.

Obligations: registration, data, fees, PRN/PERNs

• Registration with the environmental regulator (through the PackUK system).
• Data reporting on the quantity and type of packaging placed on the market.
• Waste disposal fees (large producers) — calculated on the basis of reported data.
• Recycling obligations — funding recycling through the purchase of PRN/PERNs (packaging recycling notes / packaging export recycling notes).

PackUK and deadlines

PackUK is the scheme administrator for the UK packaging EPR: it sets the fee rates and collects waste disposal fees from obligated producers. Data collected and reported in one year is used to calculate fees due in the following year. Reporting and payment deadlines are published by gov.uk — keep track of them, as late submission can result in penalties.

What this means for Polish businesses trading with the UK

If your business sells packaged products to the UK and you are the importer or the business placing them on the UK market, you may be an obligated producer — even without a UK establishment. Check your role in the supply chain, estimate your packaging tonnage and turnover, and then verify whether you need to register. Misidentifying "who is the producer" is the most common source of arrears and penalties.

Compliance checklist

• Establish whether you are the business supplying or importing packaging to the UK market.
• Calculate your packaging tonnage and check turnover against the thresholds (£1 million / 25 tonnes).
• Determine your status: small or large producer.
• Register and submit your data on time (PackUK).
• For large producers: plan for waste disposal fees and PRN/PERNs.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Who is affected by UK EPR for packaging?
When turnover ≥ £1 million and > 25 tonnes of packaging has been supplied or imported to the UK market in the previous year. Smaller producers have narrower obligations.

What are the main obligations?
Registration, data reporting, and — for large producers — waste disposal fees and recycling obligations (PRN/PERNs).

What is PackUK?
The scheme administrator for the UK packaging EPR — it sets the rates and collects the fees.

Can a Polish company be obligated?
Yes, if it is the business supplying or importing packaging to the UK market and exceeds the thresholds.

Official sources

• GOV.UK — EPR for packaging: who is affected and what to do
• GOV.UK — Register with the environmental regulator and pay the fee
• GOV.UK — Recycling obligations and waste disposal fees
• GOV.UK — EPR for packaging (full collection of guidance)