Introduction.
One of the regulations that cannot be avoided when developing products in the European market is the EPR system (Extended Producer Responsibility System).
Particularly in recent years, social demands for environmental responsiveness have increased dramatically, and EPR registration for packaging materials, electronic devices, and other products has become a de facto requirement.
This article provides an overview of the EPR system and some of the ways in which Swapsss supports companies.
Please contact us for more details, as there are many aspects that vary depending on individual products and business categories.
What is the EPR System?
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is a system that requires companies that place products on the market to take responsibility for their disposal, recovery, and recycling after use.
Areas covered include packaging, batteries, electronics, and furniture.
However, since operations vary by country and category, care must be taken to determine whether your products are covered.
For the exact scope of coverage and differences by applicable country, individual response based on the latest information is required.
(*Please contact us for specific product categories.)
Registration, Reporting and Application
Compliance with the EPR system is mandatory for all businesses that distribute products within the EU, and registration through a local subsidiary is generally recommended.
Although it is possible for companies without a European base to apply, there are certain restrictions and practical hurdles in the application process, the order of registration, and required documents.
In some cases, quantitative and specialized work is required with regard to reporting, such as "aggregating annual emissions" and "classifying materials.
Therefore, the selection of a local support partner familiar with the EPR system is key to smooth application and maintenance.
Failure to comply with the EPR system
If a product is distributed without complying with the EPR system, there is a risk of penalties and suspension of distribution.
EPR registration numbers are now mandatory for some EC platforms
Possible fines and corrective actions due to non-registration
Business partner (retailer/wholesaler) stops handling or sends a warning letter
The specific impact of a breach will vary depending on the product category and country of deployment, but in some cases it may develop into a greater-than-expected business risk.
Importance of leveraging European-based companies
The EPR system has detailed rules for each country and category, and the system is frequently revised.
Therefore, it is necessary to have a system that allows us to grasp local system trends in real time and to respond immediately to application schedules.
For example:
In some countries, weight calculation is required for each material
In some cases, the submission of "annual reports" and "projected values" is mandatory.
Ongoing operational support by personnel familiar with the local language and system is extremely effective in dealing with these issues.
Why Swapsss?
Swapsss is a France-based company specializing in EPR institutional support and has assisted numerous companies.
The main support we offer is:
New EPR account opening on behalf of the client
Assistance with translation and submission of required documents
Support for annual emissions reporting
Ongoing follow-up in Japanese
Furthermore, our proprietary management format allows us to build a system that allows us to centrally manage the calculation of materials and emissions.
Specific support details and fees will be optimized according to your product type and the countries you support.
summary
The EPR system is a basic requirement for successful entry into Europe.
However, compliance requires multi-layered knowledge and systems, including product knowledge, understanding of local systems, reporting management, and local subsidiary support.
Swapsss provides complete support for companies that are unsure of their "first step" in complying with the system.
If you are interested in this service, please feel free to contact us.