Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging: ‘Small Producer’ Wholesalers
We would like to draw your attention to current packaging Regulations* that could require some EDA wholesalers to register with the regulator by 1 April 2026 and to record various types of packaging that pass through their business.
*The EPR for Packaging Regulations, overseen by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and implemented by the Environment Agency/other national regulators.
Does your business meet EPR obligation criteria?
Below is more information on requirements for wholesalers who, under the Regulations, may be ‘Small Producers’ engaged in ‘seller’ activity.
A wholesaler (‘seller’) may be a ‘Small Producer’ if it meets threshold criteria such as annual turnover between £1 million and £2 million and supplying and/or importing over 25 tonnes of packaging in the UK. The threshold criteria are shown more fully in the 2026 EDA bulletin, attached.
Actions to take before 1 April 2026
- Please refer to the EDA bulletin (16 Jan 2026) linked here – a consolidated description of the latest EPR packaging requirements for ‘sellers’, produced with the assistance of Compliance Scheme Wastepack.).
- If your business meets the obligation thresholds, take steps to ensure it is registered as soon as possible, and notably by 1 April 2026.
- Consider how you will record relevant packaging waste for 2026.
Compliance Schemes are available to help
If, after reading the EDA bulletin, you conclude you may need to register, or are still unsure, we suggest you take professional advice and/or consult with one of the Compliance Schemes which can help you through the process. In the attached EDA bulletin is a link to the National Packaging Waste Database, where Compliance Schemes are listed.
There is also an official support line for registration/compliance queries: 0300 060 0002.
We urge you to review the information in the EDA bulletin and, if you meet the EPR threshold criteria, register before the 1 April 2026 deadline.