EPR Is No Longer Just About Germany: Register in All EU Countries Before August 2026

The Big Shift: From Germany to All of EU

For years, the conversation about EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for Amazon sellers centered almost exclusively on Germany. If you had your LUCID registration number and a VerpackG-compliant license, you felt covered. Most sellers stopped there.

That era is over. The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) fundamentally changes the landscape. Starting August 12, 2026, Amazon will require EPR compliance not just in Germany, but in every EU country where your products are sold. This means separate registrations, separate EPR numbers, and separate reporting obligations for each country.

If you sell on Amazon.fr, Amazon.es, Amazon.it, or Amazon.pl — and you only have German EPR registration — you are not compliant. And non-compliance means one thing: your listings get deactivated.

Which Countries Require EPR Registration?

Each EU country has its own packaging EPR system with its own registration authority. You need a separate EPR number for each country where Amazon ships your products. Here are the key countries and their systems:

The August 12, 2026 Deadline

When the PPWR enters into force on August 12, 2026, Amazon will begin verifying EPR registration numbers for every country where a seller's products are distributed. This is not a gradual rollout — it is a hard enforcement date.

What Happens If You're Not Compliant

• Listing deactivation in every country where you lack an EPR number
• Automatic enrollment in Amazon's Pay-on-Behalf program with significant surcharges
• Account-level warnings that can escalate to suspension
• Legal liability in EU member states for non-compliance with packaging regulations

What Amazon Sellers Must Do — Step by Step

Follow this checklist to ensure full EPR compliance before the August 12 deadline:

Common Mistakes That Cost Sellers Their Listings

1. Thinking German registration covers all of EU — This is the most dangerous misconception. Your LUCID/VerpackG registration only covers Germany. France, Spain, Italy, and every other EU country require their own separate registrations.
2. Using Pay-on-Behalf instead of proper registration — Amazon's Pay-on-Behalf is a fallback mechanism, not a compliance solution. It comes with significant surcharges and does not protect you from legal liability. Always obtain your own EPR registration.
3. Waiting until the last minute — Registration takes 1 to 3 months depending on the country. Some countries like France and Poland have particularly complex procedures. Starting in July 2026 means you will not be ready by August 12.
4. Not registering for WEEE/batteries in addition to packaging — If you sell electronics or products with batteries, packaging EPR is only part of the picture. You also need WEEE and battery regulation compliance in applicable countries.
5. Ignoring reporting obligations after registration — Getting your EPR number is not the end. Every country requires you to report the quantities of packaging you place on the market, usually annually. Missing these reports can lead to fines and registration revocation.

How ekoniq Can Help

We understand that managing EPR registrations across 10+ countries is overwhelming, especially when each country has different authorities, different forms, and different languages. That is exactly why ekoniq exists.

• We handle EPR registration in all 27 EU countries — one partner for everything
• Starting from 29€/month per country — transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Registration typically completed in 2 to 4 weeks — we handle the paperwork and communication with local authorities
• Full annual reporting included — we submit your packaging quantity reports to every country on your behalf
• Dedicated account manager — a single point of contact who speaks your language and knows your business

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need EPR registration in every EU country?

Yes. Under the PPWR, you must register in each country where your packaged products are sold. It is not enough to register only in Germany. If Amazon FBA ships your products to warehouses in France, Spain, Italy, or Poland, you need an EPR registration in each of those countries.

Q: What happens if I don't register by August 12, 2026?

Amazon will deactivate your product listings in every country where you lack a valid EPR registration number. In some cases, Amazon may automatically enroll you in the Pay-on-Behalf program, which adds significant surcharges to your fees. Your account may also receive compliance warnings that can escalate to suspension.

Q: How long does EPR registration take?

Typically 1 to 3 months depending on the country. Germany and Austria tend to be faster (2-4 weeks), while France and Poland can take up to 3 months due to additional documentation requirements. With ekoniq, we typically complete registrations in 2 to 4 weeks. Given the August 12 deadline, you should start immediately.

Q: Is German LUCID/VerpackG registration enough?

No. Germany was the first EU country to actively enforce packaging EPR for e-commerce sellers, which is why most Amazon sellers started there. However, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and other EU countries now require their own separate registrations with their respective national authorities. A German LUCID number does not cover any other country.