A study commissioned by Amazon reveals significant differences in national registration processes for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging in Europe. The study examined Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Poland, Italy and Belgium. In light of the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), there is therefore a great need for Europe-wide harmonisation. VERE has also already spoken out in favour of harmonisation and digitalisation and is calling for practical and manageable implementation steps. Simplifications should create measurable relief and give companies sufficient time to adapt to new requirements.
National differences increase the burden on businesses
Under the PPWR, producers will in future be required to register their packaging in every EU Member State where it is first placed on the market. At the same time, online marketplaces and fulfilment service providers will be obliged to monitor the EPR compliance of their merchants. An analysis commissioned by Amazon identifies a total of 64 different registration fields, with 55% requested in only a single country. On average, the countries examined require 15 data points per company, ranging from 11 fields in Belgium and Spain to 21 in Sweden. Of these, 87% are mandatory. The study is particularly critical of additional national requirements that go beyond the PPWR. Only 27% of the requested information is covered by the planned PPWR annexes. Many countries also require additional details such as turnover, packaging volumes, product categories, transport data, or national identifiers; information that is arguably more relevant to reporting obligations than to registration processes.
Digitalisation remains a key challenge
Additional hurdles arise from differing authentication procedures. While electronic identities are required in Spain, Sweden, Poland, and Italy, other countries rely on email-based processes. In addition, APIs and other automated options for verifying registration numbers are often lacking. For retailers, producers, and online marketplaces, this significantly increases the complexity of compliance. In Belgium, parts of the registration process are still conducted offline, relying on email communication and contract signing. The study therefore recommends standardised login and authentication procedures, the avoidance of duplicate registrations, and fully digital processes. It further suggests that national registers could be developed into central data platforms with API connections, enabling automated data transmission to authorities and system operators with the consent of companies.
However, solutions to address this challenge already exist. For example, take-e-way provides an all-in-one customer portal that supports Europe-wide compliance management for producers and retailers. Introducing an additional layer of bureaucracy, costly to develop and unlikely to be operational for several years, on top of already complex administrative structures, would not resolve existing issues. Instead, it would risk creating further inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.
VERE and take-e-way, therefore, welcome the approach outlined in the Amazon-commissioned study, which calls for greater harmonisation and digitalisation of national systems and authorities, as a step in the right direction.
Do you need to register your packaging quickly?
From 12 August 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into force as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Since registration processes in target countries typically take two to three months, we strongly recommend submitting applications well in advance to avoid potential disruptions, such as shop suspensions or other negative consequences. The transition may also lead to changes in pricing structures and packaging categories. take-e-way will ensure that existing packaging registrations in currently registered countries are properly transferred to the new system and will inform you of any relevant changes in good time.
Special offer valid until 12 August 2026
As part of the PPWR implementation, we are offering our packaging registration service at a special discounted price of up to 60% off. This discount applies to new contracts concluded before the EU Packaging Regulation takes effect on 12 August 2026.
The take-e-way consulting team is available immediately to answer any questions you may have about the special offer and packaging registration across Europe: 040/750687-0 or consulting@take-e-way.de
