As an export company within the EU – especially if you’re shipping goods in packaging to other countries – it’s important to be aware that many countries have strict regulations on waste sorting, producer responsibility, and packaging management. Let’s go through some of them here:
🌍 Europe
In Europe, waste sorting and producer responsibility for packaging are widespread:
Germany: Has a comprehensive system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging. Producers must register with a dual system and pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging used.
France: Introduced an extended producer responsibility (EPR) system for packaging in 2021, requiring producers to finance the collection and recycling of packaging waste.
United Kingdom: Implemented an EPR system for plastic packaging in 2023, offering incentives for the use of recyclable packaging.
Denmark: Has a producer responsibility scheme where companies must pay fees based on the quantity and type of packaging they place on the market.
Sweden: Operates a producer responsibility system where companies must register and pay fees for the collection and recycling of packaging.
🌏 Asia
Several countries in Asia have also implemented waste sorting and extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems:
Japan: Has had an EPR system for packaging since 1995, requiring producers to pay recycling fees based on the type and amount of packaging.
South Korea: Operates an EPR system that requires producers to pay fees for the collection and recycling of packaging waste.
Philippines: Introduced a law in 2022 mandating a recovery rate of 20% in 2023, increasing to 40% in 2024, with annual increments of 10%.
Vietnam: The revised Environmental Protection Law of 2020 introduced EPR for packaging, containers, and tires, effective from January 2024.
🌎 Africa
In Africa, the implementation of waste sorting and producer responsibility for packaging is still in its early stages.
South Africa: Introduced an EPR system for packaging in 2021, requiring producers to register and finance the collection and recycling of packaging waste.
🌎 North America
Requirements vary across North America:
Canada: Has over 200 EPR programs covering 30 material categories across 10 provinces. However, there is no federal EPR legislation.
USA: Has 115 EPR policies across 33 states, covering 14 product categories, including packaging waste.
🌎 Australia and New Zealand
Both countries have also implemented waste sorting and extended producer responsibility:
Australia: Operates an EPR system for packaging waste, requiring producers to pay fees for collection and recycling.
New Zealand: Introduced the EPR concept through the Waste Minimisation Act in 2008, requiring producers to implement take-back and recycling programs for plastic packaging and electronic waste.
Source: Recykal
🏭 What does this mean for businesses?
There are very few things we dare to guarantee—especially those we don’t control. BUT – one thing we can guarantee is that the demands placed on you as a sender will not become any easier when it comes to packaging shipped abroad.
Also consider your customer – the one receiving your products – who is now responsible for disposing of the packaging you sent.
Maybe it’s pallet collars made of both wood and metal. Now your customer has to separate those materials – just to throw them away.
And you know just as well as we do:
Your customers aren’t going to pay for sorting the packaging you chose to ship in.
✅ Recommendations
Check local requirements: Understand the waste sorting regulations in the countries you’re exporting to.
Register properly: Make sure you’re correctly registered in the relevant waste compliance systems.
Label packaging correctly: Follow local rules for packaging labeling and waste sorting.
Pay applicable fees: Ensure any required waste handling or recycling fees are paid.
