Extended producer responsibility: MEPs support simpler rules for SMEs on packaging, textile and battery

MEPs have voted to support simplification measures impacting producer responsibility rules on batteries, packaging, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics, during an ENVI Committee extraordinary meeting on 5 October 2026.

While the Commission proposed “a complete suspension of authorised representative obligations for extended producer responsibility (EPR) until 2035”, MEPs backed a “temporary suspension ”, limited to EU-based SMEs that employ fewer than 250 persons and have an annual turnover under €50M, or an annual balance sheet total under €43M. Companies from outside the EU would still need to appoint representatives.

MEPs also support a sunset clause ending the suspension automatically once the comprehensive Circular Economy Act (which the Commission is expected to…