MEPs support simpler rules for SMEs on packaging, textiles and batteries

Requirement to appoint authorised representatives should be suspended for EU-based SMEs

Temporary suspension ahead of comprehensive circularity rules later in 2026

MEPs back a targeted and temporary suspension of authorised representative obligations for extended producer responsibility.

Environment Committee MEPs have voted to support simplification measures impacting producer responsibility rules on batteries, packaging, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics.

While the Commission proposed a complete suspension until 2035 of the obligation on producers to appoint an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility (EPR) in each member state, MEPs want to limit this suspension to EU-based SMEs - companies that employ fewer than 250 persons and have an annual turnover under €50 million, or an annual balance sheet total under €43 million. Companies from outside the EU would still need to appoint representatives. MEPs also support a sunset clause ending the suspension automatically once comprehensive circularity rules enter into force.

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

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Rapporteur Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP, NL) said: “I am very pleased to see such overwhelming support for this proposal. It shows that there is a broad understanding that businesses, especially smaller ones, need real simplification now.

“We cannot ask them to wait years for a horizontal solution while they continue to face unnecessary administrative burdens today. We need to relieve them as quickly as possible, while working towards a coherent European framework that prevents the same problems from arising again.”

Next steps

The position on batteries and packaging was supported by 74 MEPs, while 0 opposed it, and 4 abstained. The position on textiles, footwear, electronic appliances and single-use plastics was supported by 72 MEPs, while 0 opposed it, and 5 abstained.

Once the positions are confirmed by plenary (expected during the October 19-22 session), Parliament will be ready for negotiations with the Council.

Background

Under extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules, companies bringing products to the EU market have responsibilities for managing the products throughout their life cycle, including at the waste stage.

The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive circular economy act later in 2026. The EPR simplification measures (which form part of part of the environmental “omnibus” package) are therefore intended to be temporary.