For affected businesses there is now just a week left to submit their 2024 packaging data under the new extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme.
Requirement to submit data and register
The new legislation came into force on 1st January 2025 and requires data to be submitted by 1 April 2025. Large businesses are expected to submit their July-December 2024 data, whereas small businesses must submit their January-December 2024 data in one annual submission by that date.
All businesses, regardless of size, also need to register with their environmental regulator by 1 April 2025. The fee is set based on the details provided during the registration process.
Failing to register or submit the required data can result in enforcement action.
Check if you need to take action
The regulations will apply to all obligated UK organisations that import or supply packaging.
You need to collect and report packaging data for a given year if all the following apply:
- you’re an individual business, subsidiary or group (but not a charity)
- you have an annual turnover of £1 million or more, based on your most recent annual accounts up to 7 April
- you were responsible for importing or supplying more than 25 tonnes of packaging to the UK market in the previous calendar year
- you carry out any of the packaging activities
If this guidance says you may need to take action, check the rest of the guidance on packaging data – this will help you confirm whether you must record and submit your data, and what you must submit.
What is the purpose of pEPR?
The pEPR legislation is moving the costs of dealing with household packaging waste onto the businesses that produce the packaging.
Clearly the fees provide motivation to reduce unnecessary packaging, However, if your business is affected by the legislation, innovating your packaging may take some time to achieve.
If you need help with budgeting for the additional costs or assessing their financial impact, please get in touch and we would be happy to help you!
Where can I get more information?
Guidance on registering can be found here.
If you are not sure whether you need to report packaging data, government guidance on who is affected and what to do can be found here.
