The European Parliament has voted to exempt EU-based small and micro enterprises from the obligation to appoint authorised representatives for waste legislation compliance in every member state where they sell their products. The measure covers producers of packaging, batteries, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics, and is framed as a temporary suspension ahead of more comprehensive circularity rules expected later in 2026.

Under existing EU waste law, producers bringing goods to market are required to pay fees supporting the collection, sorting and recycling of those products once discarded — a system known as extended producer responsibility (EPR). They are also currently obliged to appoint a local authorised representative for EPR compliance in each member state of sale. The European Commission had proposed suspending this representative obligation across certain sectors, but MEPs opted for a more targeted approach.

The Parliament's position limits the suspension to small and micro enterprises — defined as companies with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet under €10 million. The exemption would apply until 2035, or until a comprehensive circular economy act is adopted, whichever comes first. MEPs also clarified that the suspension does not affect other EPR obligations, such as waste-prevention duties or fee payments.

Alongside the representative exemption, MEPs called for better information exchange between member states, interoperable digital systems and common reporting requirements to further reduce the administrative burden on businesses operating across the EU single market.

The position on waste batteries and packaging was backed by 616 MEPs, with 9 opposed and 39 abstaining. The position covering textile, footwear, electronic appliance and single-use plastic waste passed with 612 votes in favour, 8 against and 39 abstentions.

Rapporteur Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP, Netherlands) said the aim was to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.

The two measures — a directive and a regulation — form part of the Environmental Omnibus package. Formal negotiations on the final text can begin once the Council of the EU has also adopted its position.

This article is based on a primary source and has undergone editorial review prior to publication.