Battery and Packaging Companies Get a Break from the Representative Rule Until 2035

What the problem is
EU producers of batteries and packaged products that sell in other Member States must normally appoint an authorised representative in each country where they are not established.
This rule creates a heavy administrative load, especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs). The Commission estimates that the current system adds about 25 % extra cost for businesses and 35 % for SMEs, and that 190 998 people gave feedback in a recent call for evidence (99.3 % were citizens).

How the problem is being solved
The Commission proposes a Regulation that suspends the requirement for EU‑based producers to appoint an authorised representative for batteries and packaging until 1 January 2035.

• Producers can choose whether to appoint a representative.
• The rule remains for producers based in third countries.
• The change is part of a wider “simplification” package aimed at making the internal market easier to use.

What changes as a result of this document

• Article 56(3) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (batteries) and Article 45(3) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (packaging) are suspended until 2035.
• The Regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
• No new budgetary cost is required; the measure is fully financed by existing resources.
• The change does not affect environmental protection or fundamental rights.
• The Regulation is binding in all Member States and will reduce the administrative burden for EU producers of batteries and packaged goods.