Understanding EU Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

To help you understand your obligations under EPR and PPWR, we have collected information for Whatnot sellers who ship to certain countries in the EU. Many Whatnot sellers shipping products to EU buyers will fall under PPWR obligations. 

All Whatnot sellers are responsible for understanding and complying with the applicable laws and regulations in each country where they sell.  Because each seller is unique, it is each seller’s responsibility to determine their own compliance obligations.  

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy used across the European Union that may hold businesses responsible for the packaging they use when selling products, including its collection, recycling, and disposal.

What is PPWR?

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took effect on August 12, 2026. Under the PPWR, sellers that sell packaged products to consumers in a European country for the first time, including through online sales, are generally considered a “producer” with packaging compliance obligations. 

What does PPWR require?

The PPWR largely brings packaging obligations that already existed in some form across EU countries, while also introducing new requirements — including EPR registration and a Declaration of Conformity for packaging — as part of the EU's effort to create one consistent standard rather than a patchwork of national rules.  These obligations apply regardless of whether the product inside is new or secondhand, as the regulation covers the packaging itself.

What countries does this apply to?

EPR requirements apply across all 27 EU countries under the PPWR, but the specific registration systems, requirements, and processes continue to be run at the national level and vary by country.  The EU-wide act meant to standardize the registration format across EU countries has not yet been adopted, but many countries already operate their own national producer registers today, and registration obligations there are active.  It is important to monitor the state of PPWR implementation in the countries where you ship, as more countries will likely issue regulations in the coming months.

Does this apply to me?

Many Whatnot sellers shipping products to EU buyers may fall under PPWR obligations. Because each seller’s situation is unique, Whatnot is not able to advise on specific compliance steps.

We recommend reviewing the official resources for the countries where you sell to understand the current requirements and registration process.

Country-specific resources

The links below will direct you to the official government or regulatory resources for the countries where Whatnot sellers most commonly ship:

EU-wide resources

• European Commission — Packaging Waste (official PPWR guidance and FAQ)
• Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (full text)

Germany

• LUCID Packaging Register (ZSVR)
• Stiftung EAR (electrical equipment and batteries)

France

• ADEME / SYDEREP
• French recycling organizations directory

Spain

• MITECO — Spanish Register of Product Producers
• ECOEMBES

Italy

• Italian Ministry of Environment — Producer Registry (ReNAP)
• CONAI

Disclaimer: This information provides an overview for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Whatnot Inc. disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damages, or causes of action that may arise from the use of or reliance on these materials.