What is EPR in Austria?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Austria is governed by the Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz (AWG) 2002 and the Verpackungsverordnung 2014 (Packaging Ordinance). Under this framework, anyone who places packaged goods on the Austrian market is considered a "producer" and must take financial responsibility for the collection, sorting, and recycling of their packaging waste.
This applies to you if you are an Austrian business selling packaged products, a non-Austrian seller shipping to Austrian customers (including via Amazon FBA), or an importer bringing packaged goods into Austria. There is no de-minimis exemption — even a single shipment to an Austrian address triggers the obligation.
How the Austrian packaging EPR system works
Austria operates a competitive compliance scheme market. Unlike Germany (where you register in LUCID and then choose a dual system), in Austria you work through two entities:
VKS (Verpackungskoordinierungsstelle)
The VKS is Austria's packaging coordination body. It operates as a subsidiary of the Austrian Environment Agency and maintains the register of all producers. You don't register directly with the VKS — instead, when you contract with a licensed PRO, that PRO reports your data to the VKS and you receive a VKS licence number.
Licensed PROs (Producer Responsibility Organizations)
Austria has several licensed PROs (ARA, Reclay, ERP Austria, Interzero, and others). Each offers different pricing structures, reporting tools, and service levels. Choosing the right one depends on your packaging volumes, material mix, and whether you also need WEEE or battery coverage. It can be confusing — and that's exactly where ekoniq comes in. We select the best PRO for your situation, handle the entire registration, and manage all reporting on your behalf.
How to get compliant with ekoniq
Austrian EPR involves multiple authorities, registrations, and reporting obligations. Instead of navigating it yourself, let ekoniq handle everything for you:
Contact us & share your details
Tell us what you sell, where you ship from, and your estimated packaging volumes. We'll assess your obligations and recommend the best compliance setup for Austria — including packaging, WEEE, and batteries if applicable.
We handle everything
ekoniq takes care of the entire process: selecting the right PRO, authorised representative registration (EDM), VKS licensing, contract setup, and all communications with Austrian authorities. You sign, we do the rest.
You get your registration numbers
We deliver your VKS licence number ready to upload to Amazon Seller Central. From then on, we manage all quarterly/annual reporting, deadline tracking, and PRO fee payments. You focus on selling — we keep you compliant.
Reporting deadlines
| Reporter type | Threshold | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | Projected fees < EUR 1,500 for both household and commercial | January 15 |
| Quarterly | Between EUR 1,500 and EUR 20,000 | 15th of the month following quarter |
| Monthly | Projected fees > EUR 20,000 | 15th of the following month |
Monthly and quarterly reporters must also submit a year-end reconciliation statement by March 15. Payment is due on the 15th day of the second month following each reporting period.
Amazon enforcement timeline
Authorised Representative becomes mandatory for all non-Austrian sellers under amended Verpackungsverordnung.
Austria launches deposit-return system (Pfand) for single-use plastic bottles and metal cans. Deposit: EUR 0.25.
Amazon deadline: WEEE registration numbers required for all sellers with electrical products in Austria.
Amazon deadline: Packaging, battery, tyre, and oil EPR numbers required. Non-compliant sellers enrolled in Amazon's "Pay on Behalf" service with additional fees.
PPWR takes effect: All EU marketplaces must ensure sellers have valid EPR registrations in every country where they sell.
Beyond packaging: WEEE and battery EPR
If you sell electrical products or items containing batteries in Austria, you also need WEEE and/or battery EPR registration:
WEEE (Electrical Equipment)
Coordinated by EAK (Elektroaltgeräte Koordinierungsstelle). Registration via the EDM portal (edm.gv.at). Licensed PROs include ERA (ARA subsidiary), Interzero, ERP Austria, and UFH. Quarterly reporting required within 7 weeks after each quarter. Annual consolidated return due April 10.
Batteries
Covered by Austrian Batterienverordnung. Registration also through EDM with EAK. Covers portable, automotive, and industrial batteries. E-bike batteries are classified as portable. Special safety requirements apply to lithium batteries.
Penalties for non-compliance
Austrian authorities can impose fines of up to EUR 50,000 under the AWG 2002 for failure to register, failure to report, or providing false packaging data. Additionally:
- Back payment of all unpaid licensing fees
- Potential sales ban for unregistered producers
- Amazon listing deactivation and account suspension
New: Austria's deposit system (Pfand)
Since January 2025, Austria has a mandatory deposit-return system for single-use plastic bottles (0.1 to 3 litres) and metal cans. The deposit is EUR 0.25 per container. If you sell beverages in Austria, this applies to you — producers must register with EWP Recycling Pfand and pay into the deposit system. The target collection rate is 80% from 2025, rising to 90% from 2027.
Need help with Austrian EPR registration?
ekoniq handles everything: authorised representative, PRO licensing, VKS registration, reporting, and ongoing compliance. Starting from EUR 29/month.
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