Packaging and extended producer responsibility, or EPR, regulations may apply in some countries. These rules may apply if you sell as a business or professional seller, or if your selling activity is commercial in nature.

If EPR rules apply to you, you may need to register with a relevant authority or scheme before selling certain products or shipping packaged objects to buyers in that country. You are responsible for checking which rules apply to your sales and for adding any required EPR registration information to your Catawiki account.

This article gives general guidance only and is not legal advice. We cannot make an individual legal assessment or confirm whether you are in or out of scope of a specific regulation.

What are packaging and EPR regulations?

Extended producer responsibility, or EPR, refers to laws that may make sellers responsible for the environmental impact of certain products or packaging when they are placed on a market.

Depending on the country, EPR rules can apply to:

• Packaging
• Electrical and electronic equipment
• Batteries
• Textiles
• Other product categories

The exact rules depend on the country, the type of object being sold, how the object is shipped and whether the seller is acting in a business or commercial capacity.

Do EPR rules apply to me?

This depends on the local rules in the countries you sell into or ship to.

EPR rules may vary depending on:

• The type of object you sell
• The packaging you use
• The countries you ship to
• Your sales volume
• Whether you sell as a business or professional seller
• Whether your selling activity is commercial in nature

You are responsible for checking whether local EPR rules apply to your sales. This includes checking the rules for each country where your objects or packaging are delivered to buyers.

Do EPR rules apply to private sellers?

EPR rules are mainly aimed at sellers acting in a business or commercial capacity. They usually do not apply to private individuals selling occasional second-hand objects.

If your selling activity is commercial or trader-like, local EPR rules may apply. You are responsible for checking the rules that apply to your situation.

Is there one EU-wide EPR registration number?

No. There is no single EU-wide EPR registration number or register.

EPR requirements are set at national level and can differ between countries. Even where EU rules apply, sellers may still need to follow national registration, reporting or scheme requirements in each country they sell into or ship to.

This means that a registration number for one country may not cover your sales into another country.

Why do I need to add an EPR registration number?

In some countries, sellers must register with a relevant authority or scheme before selling certain products or shipping packaged objects to buyers in that country.

As an online marketplace, we may be required to collect, check or ask you to confirm EPR registration information before you can sell certain objects or sell to buyers in certain countries.

If this applies to you, you may need to add your relevant EPR registration number or equivalent evidence to your Catawiki account.

Am I responsible for checking whether EPR laws apply to me?

Yes. You are responsible for checking whether local EPR laws apply to your sales.

This includes checking the rules for each country you sell into or ship to, including countries where your objects or packaging are delivered to buyers.

We cannot make an individual legal assessment or confirm whether you are in or out of scope of a specific regulation.

Does EPR only apply to manufacturers?

Not necessarily. In some countries, EPR laws may apply to sellers who place products or packaging on the local market, even if they did not manufacture the product or packaging themselves.

For example, if you ship a packaged object to a buyer in another country, you may be responsible for introducing that packaging into that market. The exact position depends on the local rules.

What should I add to my Catawiki account?

You should add any EPR registration numbers that apply to your sales.

Where possible, include the relevant country and EPR category with each registration number you add. For example, you may have different registration numbers for packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries or textiles.

If you have more than one relevant EPR registration number, you should add all relevant numbers.

You are responsible for making sure the information you add is accurate, valid and kept up to date.

Where can I find country-specific guidance?

EPR rules differ by country. This article gives general information only.

For some countries, we provide separate guidance. For example, if you are a business or professional seller shipping packaged objects to buyers in Germany, read our guidance on the German Packaging Act.

We may add more country-specific guidance as local requirements change.

What happens if I do not provide the required information?

If EPR rules apply to you and you do not provide the required information, we may restrict your ability to sell certain objects or sell to buyers in certain countries.

Local authorities may also take enforcement action if you do not comply with applicable EPR rules.

We cannot determine whether you are legally required to register in every case. You remain responsible for assessing and complying with your own EPR obligations.

What should I do if I am unsure?

If you are unsure whether EPR rules apply to you, check the guidance from the relevant national authority or registration scheme.

You may also wish to seek independent legal advice.