Waste: MEPs back simplified rules for small businesses

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

MEPs want to exempt only small companies from the obligation to appoint representatives for waste legislation compliance in each member state where they sell their products.

The European Parliament has adopted its position ahead of trilogue negotiations on measures impacting waste rules on packaging, batteries, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics.

Targeted change to company obligations

Under current EU waste legislation, producers bringing products to the EU market pay fees that help cover the cost of collecting, sorting, and recycling these products once they become waste (known as extended producer responsibility, or EPR). The rules in place also mandate them to appoint an authorised representative for EPR compliance in each member state where they sell their products. To reduce barriers within the EU single market, the Commission proposed suspending this authorised representative obligation in certain sectors.

In their position, MEPs back a more targeted suspension that would apply only to EU-based small and micro enterprises (fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet under €10 million) and until 2035, or until a more comprehensive circular economy act is adopted. They also clarify that this suspension does not affect other obligations under the EPR system, for example waste-prevention or fees.

To further reduce the administrative burden on companies within the EU single market, MEPs call for better information exchange between member states, interoperable digital systems, and common reporting requirements for companies.

Quote

Rapporteur Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP, NL) said: “For European companies to be able to grow and sell , unnecessary administrative burdens should be reduced without compromising our environmental ambitions. It is clear that companies should take responsibility for the waste they produce, and that products need to be collected and recycled properly. We should reach these goals without creating unnecessary obstacles for the businesses we want to see succeed in Europe. We can show that environmental responsibilities can go hand in hand with economic opportunities.”

Next steps

The position on waste batteries and packaging waste was supported by 616 MEPs, while 9 opposed it, and 39 abstained. The position on textile, footwear, electronic appliance and single-use plastic waste was supported by 612 MEPs, while 8 opposed it, and 39 abstained.

Once the Council has also adopted its position, negotiations on the final form of the laws can begin.

Background

The two laws (directive and regulation) voted today are part of the Environmental Omnibus package.

The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive circular economy act later in 2026.