The EPR number in EU countries

What Is the EPR Number?

The EPR number is a registration number assigned to producers, importers, or retailers when they place products on the market in an EU country that fall under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR requires companies to cover the costs of collecting, recycling, and disposing of their products or packaging. This primarily applies to product categories such as packaging, electrical appliances, batteries, textiles, furniture, or toys, depending on the country.

The EPR number serves as proof that a company is registered with the relevant national authority or recycling system. It is particularly important for online sellers on platforms like Amazon or eBay, as these marketplaces require an EPR number to verify compliance with environmental regulations. Without a valid EPR number, sellers may face sales bans or account suspensions.

EPR is based on EU directives, such as the Packaging Directive (94/62/EC), the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) for electrical equipment, and the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC). However, each EU country implements these directives individually, meaning that EPR numbers and registration processes differ from country to country.

EPR Number in Germany: The LUCID Number

In Germany, the EPR number for packaging is equivalent to the LUCID number issued by the Central Packaging Register (ZSVR). The Packaging Act (VerpackG), which came into effect in 2019 and was amended in 2022, requires all first distributors of packaging—whether producers, importers, or retailers—to register in the LUCID system. This applies to packaging that ends up in private households, such as product or shipping packaging, and since 2022 also includes commercial packaging.

Registration with LUCID is free and completed online via the ZSVR website. After registering, companies typically receive their LUCID number by email within 24 hours. This number consists of the country code “DE” and a 13-digit numeric sequence, visible in the LUCID dashboard. In addition to registration, companies must also obtain a license with a dual system (e.g. Interzero or Reclay) to cover packaging disposal costs. The LUCID number must be listed in seller accounts on marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay to demonstrate compliance with the Packaging Act.

For electrical devices and batteries, the EPR number in Germany is the WEEE number (for electronics) or Batt-Reg.-number, issued by the Foundation for the Register of Old Electrical Devices (stiftung EAR). These registrations are also mandatory for selling such products in Germany.

EPR Numbers in EU Member States

EPR requirements vary across the 27 EU member states, as each country implements the EU directives independently. While the basic principles of EPR are similar across countries, registration procedures, responsible authorities, and applicable product categories differ.

Here is an overview of EPR systems in selected EU countries:

• Belgium: Companies must register with Fost Plus or Valipac for packaging, Recupel for electronics, and Bebat for batteries. No de minimis thresholds; even small volumes must be registered. Annual reporting is mandatory.

• Poland: Registration through the BDO database. Separate national registration required for electronics and batteries. Low thresholds apply; annual reporting is required.

• Sweden: Registration required via the Environmental Protection Agency or approved schemes like FTI for packaging, El-Kretsen for electronics and batteries. No thresholds; annual reporting mandatory.

• Netherlands: Producers must pay waste management fees to the Afvalfonds if they exceed 50,000 kg of packaging annually. Registration with Stichting OPEN required for electronics.

• Denmark: Registration with Dansk Producentansvar (DPA) for packaging and electronics. De minimis thresholds apply (e.g. 500 kg); annual reporting required.

• Finland: From January 1, 2024, registration is required with Pirkanmaan ELY-Centre or Rinki for packaging, Elker or SER-Kierrätys for electronics. Thresholds apply (e.g. €1 million annual turnover).

• Czech Republic: Registration with EKO-KOM for packaging; ASEKOL for electronics and batteries. Thresholds apply; annual reporting mandatory.

• Hungary: Registration required for packaging volumes exceeding 300 kg. ÖKO-Pannon handles packaging EPR. Quarterly reporting and product charges apply. Electronics registration with Elektro-Coord.

• Portugal: Registration with Sociedade Ponto Verde for packaging; ERP Portugal or Amb3E for electronics and batteries. No thresholds; annual reporting required.

• Greece: Registration with the Hellenic Recycling Agency (EOAN) for packaging, Appliances Recycling for electronics. Low thresholds; annual reporting mandatory.

• Slovakia: Producers must register with the Ministry of Environment and join systems like NATUR-PACK. Separate registers exist for packaging, electronics, and batteries. Annual reporting required.

• Slovenia: Registration required with a system such as Slopak; no thresholds. Annual reporting mandatory.

• Latvia: Registration with Latvijas Zaļais Punkts for packaging, Zaļā josta for electronics and batteries. Thresholds apply; annual reporting required.

• Lithuania: Registration with VšĮ Pakuočių tvarkymo organizacija for packaging, EEPA for electronics. Thresholds and annual reporting required.

• Estonia: De minimis thresholds (e.g. 25 kg plastic or 50 kg other materials per quarter). Registration required with Eesti Taaskasutusorganisatsioon (ETO). Taxes paid to the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA). EES-Ringlus registration for electronics.

• Malta: Companies placing over 100 kg of packaging annually must register with GreenPak or Green MT. Smaller companies are exempt. Electronics registration via ERA. Annual reporting required.

• Cyprus: Registration with Green Dot Cyprus for packaging, WEEE Cyprus for electronics. Threshold: 2 tons/year. Annual reporting mandatory.

• France: France has one of the strictest EPR systems in the EU. EPR applies to packaging, electronics, batteries, textiles, furniture, toys, sports and garden products. Registration with organizations like CITEO (packaging) or ADEME (others). Unique ID (identifiant unique) must be provided in contracts and on websites. Triman symbol is mandatory on packaging.

• Austria: Registration with a system like ARA for packaging. Since 2023, foreign sellers must appoint a representative. EPR number issued by the system. Electronics and battery registration through EAK.

• Spain: Packaging registration with Ecoembes; EPR number assigned upon registration. Electronics registration through bodies like Fundación ECOLEC. Low thresholds; registration required even for small sellers.

• Italy: Registration with CONAI for packaging; CDCRAEE for electronics and batteries. Italy plans to expand its EPR requirements in the coming years.