Recycling Europe warns EU proposal could weaken EPR enforcement

A proposal linked to the European Commission’s Environmental Omnibus initiative has triggered concerns among recycling industry representatives about the future enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.

The proposal would suspend, until 2035, the requirement for producers selling products in EU countries where they are not established to appoint a local Authorised Representative responsible for ensuring compliance with national EPR systems.

Recycling Europe has warned that removing this obligation could make it harder to ensure that foreign producers register, report volumes and contribute financially to waste management schemes. According to the organisation, the change could increase free-riding, weaken traceability and ultimately undermine the functioning of recycling systems across the EU.

The issue is particularly relevant as the EU prepares to roll out new textile EPR systems, which are expected to finance the collection, sorting and treatment of used clothing across the bloc. Industry groups argue that weakening enforcement mechanisms at this stage could complicate the implementation of those systems.