Who needs to comply with packaging EPR?

Businesses with an annual turnover of £1 million or more AND handling 25 or more tonnes of packaging per year are obligated under UK packaging EPR regulations. Both thresholds must be met. Charities are exempt.

What is the difference between a small and large producer?

Small producers have turnover between £1m-£2m and handle 25+ tonnes, or have turnover over £1m and handle 25-50 tonnes. They report annually. Large producers have turnover over £2m and handle 50+ tonnes. They report every 6 months.

What activities count as packaging activities?

Packaging activities include: packing or filling goods into packaging, importing products in packaging, selling goods under your own brand in packaging, supplying empty packaging, and hiring or loaning reusable packaging.

Do I Need to Comply with Packaging EPR? Free Checker Tool

What packaging activities do you perform?

Select all that apply

Pack or fill goods into packaging

You put products into packaging before selling them

Import products in packaging

You bring packaged goods into the UK from abroad

Sell goods under your own brand

Your brand name appears on the packaging

Supply empty packaging

You sell or supply packaging materials to other businesses

Hire or loan reusable packaging

You rent out or lend packaging such as pallets or crates

You Are Likely Not Obligated

Based on your answers, your business does not appear to meet the thresholds for packaging EPR obligations. To be obligated, you need both an annual turnover of £1 million or more and handle 25 or more tonnes of packaging per year.

However, regulations change and your business may grow. We recommend checking again if your turnover or packaging volumes increase. This tool provides guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

Learn EPR terminology

You Are Likely a Small Producer

Based on your answers, your business appears to meet the thresholds for a small producer under packaging EPR. This means you are obligated to report your packaging data to DEFRA.

What this means for you:

You must report packaging data annually
Full-year data is due by 1 April each year
You will pay EPR fees based on your packaging
Non-compliance can result in enforcement action

This tool provides guidance only. For a definitive assessment, consult DEFRA's official guidance or a compliance professional.

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You Are Likely a Large Producer

Based on your answers, your business appears to meet the thresholds for a large producer under packaging EPR. This means you have the most comprehensive reporting obligations.

What this means for you:

You must report packaging data every 6 months
H1 data (Jan-Jun) due by 1 October
H2 data (Jul-Dec) due by 1 April
Higher EPR fees and stricter enforcement for non-compliance

This tool provides guidance only. For a definitive assessment, consult DEFRA's official guidance or a compliance professional. Large producers should act promptly to avoid enforcement action.

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Do I Need to Comply?

EPR Obligation Checker

What is your annual turnover?

How much packaging do you handle per year?

What packaging activities do you perform?

You Are Likely Not Obligated

You Are Likely a Small Producer

What this means for you:

You Are Likely a Large Producer

What this means for you:

Who Needs to Comply?

Not Obligated

Small Producer

Large Producer

Know your status. Now take action.