New Spanish Packaging Regulations and Compliance Requirements

Spain has updated its packaging regulations, impacting product manufacturers and online sellers, including those using platforms like Amazon. These changes are part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, emphasizing the producers' accountability for post-sale packaging disposal. Companies must ensure eco-friendly disposal or recycling of packaging to support environmental sustainability, and the EPR compliance process involves payments to waste management organizations.

Who needs to comply with Spanish EPR packaging laws?

Any entity introducing new, packaged products into the Spanish market for commercial purposes must comply. This includes manufacturers, importers, packing companies, and economic operators importing packaged products for the Spanish market. In cases where the producer is unidentified, distribution brands must fulfill these obligations.

Online marketplaces are now responsible for making sure that sellers on their platforms adhere to these regulations. They need to verify sellers' registration and see that they abide by EPR packaging rules.

How to ensure compliance with Spanish EPR regulations

Below are the main steps businesses need to take to become EPR compliant for packaging in Spain.

Select an EPR service provider:

• If your entity is VAT-registered in Spain, you must appoint a local EPR representative.
• Select a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).

Obtain a registration number:

• Your Spanish representative will handle the application for a packaging registration number.
• Once received, add this number to your marketplace profiles.

Meet your EPR obligations:

• Make regular payments of eco-contributions.
• Fulfill reporting duties.
• Prepare eco-design business plans.
• Ensure compliance with invoice and packaging information requirements.

It’s also important to note that producers may need to report packaging sold in 2021 and 2022, although fees are applicable only from 2023 onwards.