What Changed
The French Ministry of Ecological Transition has officially announced the postponement of the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) program for professional and commercial packaging. The new launch date is January 1, 2027.
This decision was widely expected by the industry. It gives companies and eco-organizations additional time to complete the preparatory steps needed for a smooth launch, including identifying affected businesses and publishing fee schedules.
The postponement gives you extra time to prepare properly. Use it. The deadline for joining an eco-organization is October 31, 2026 — just three months away.
Consumer vs. Professional Packaging EPR — What's the Difference?
France has had EPR for consumer (household) packaging since the 1990s, managed by eco-organizations like Citeo and Léko. This covers all packaging that ends up with final consumers — including e-commerce shipments to individuals.
The new professional packaging EPR extends this responsibility to commercial and industrial packaging — packaging used in B2B transactions that doesn't reach household consumers. Think: pallets, shrink wrap, bulk containers, industrial crates, and shipping materials used between businesses.
This new regulation likely does not affect you directly — you are already covered by the existing consumer packaging EPR (Citeo/Léko). However, if you also supply goods to other businesses in France using commercial packaging, the new rules will apply.
Key Dates You Need to Know
Fee Schedules Published
Approved eco-organizations will publish their 2027 fee schedules for professional packaging.
Join an Eco-Organization
Deadline for affected companies to sign a contract with an approved eco-organization for professional packaging.
EPR Goes Live
The professional packaging EPR system becomes fully operational. Companies must be registered and compliant from this date.
What You Should Do Now
The postponement is an opportunity, not a free pass. Here is what affected companies should be doing right now:
- Determine whether your business places professional packaging on the French market — any B2B packaging used in commercial transactions in France counts.
- Identify which packaging materials need to be reported — type, weight, and volume of professional packaging you use.
- Start collecting data now so you are ready when the system launches. Retroactive data gathering is always harder and less accurate.
- Plan to join an approved eco-organization by October 31, 2026 — Léko Pro is one of the approved bodies for professional packaging.
Not Sure If This Affects Your Business?
ekoniq handles packaging EPR compliance in France for companies across Europe — both consumer (Citeo/Léko) and now professional packaging. We will help you determine whether the new regulation applies to you and take care of the registration if it does.
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