Producers Get a Break from Local Representative Rules Until 2035

What the problem is
Producers that are based in one EU member state but sell their products in other member states must normally appoint an authorised representative in each country where they sell. This rule is part of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) system for waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and single‑use plastic. The requirement creates a heavy administrative burden and extra costs, especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs). It also adds complexity to the internal market and can reduce the competitiveness of EU producers.

How the problem is being solved
The European Parliament and the Council propose a Directive that suspends the obligation to appoint an authorised representative for EU producers in the three EPR schemes until 1 January 2035.

• EU producers will be free to decide whether they want to appoint a representative when they place products on the market of another member state.
• The rules for producers based in third countries remain unchanged, so enforcement of EPR obligations for non‑EU producers is not relaxed.
• The suspension is part of a broader “simplification” package aimed at cutting administrative costs by 25 % for businesses and 35 % for SMEs, and it follows the Commission’s 2025 “Competitiveness Compass” and “simpler and faster Europe” communications.

What changes as a result of this document

• The Directive suspends Article 22a(3) of Directive 2008/98/EC, Article 17(2) of Directive 2012/19/EU, and Article 8(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/904 until 1 January 2035.
• It will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
• Member States must transpose the new rules within 12 months of the Directive’s entry into force.
• The Directive does not alter the environmental objectives of the underlying legislation and has no budgetary impact.
• The proposal was supported by 190 998 contributions in a public call for evidence, of which 189 751 (99.3 %) came from citizens.

In short, the Directive removes a key administrative hurdle for EU producers, giving them flexibility while keeping the core EPR system intact.