Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): free guide

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Zeljko Drazovic

[Download the FREE guide]

Staying up to date with regulations

If you sell cross-border to France, regardless of where you’re based, you must adhere to the French Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

We know that navigating international regulations can be complex and time-consuming. On the other hand, it can also provide opportunities for your business to expand and reach new customers.

Pay attention to free resources available and distributed through newsletters, help center articles, and downloadable guides such as this one. After all, we have a common goal: ensuring compliance and maximizing sales. 

New to EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a global environmental policy that makes producers, importers, distributors, and sellers accountable for the entire life cycle and environmental impact of the products that they introduce on the market and profit from.

Every country is responsible for enforcing it at its own pace. In accordance with the Law Against Waste and for a Circular Economy, sellers who offer products in France, either domestically or internationally, must adhere to the French EPR regulations. This means you must register with the French EPR schemes whether you are a French business or simply sell cross-border to France.

The scope of the French EPR regulations and updates

The EPR regulations apply to specific product categories. In most European countries, EPR regulations apply to the following categories: Packaging, Batteries, and Electric and Electronic Equipment. However, in France, there are more than a dozen EPR categories:

• electrical and electronic equipment,
• furnishing items,
• textiles,
• batteries and accumulators,
• contents and containers of chemicals,
• printed papers and papers for graphic use,
• mineral or synthetic, lubricating or industrial oils,
• construction products or materials,
• sports and leisure articles,
• DIY and garden items,
• toys,
• tires.

What’s next?

A basic but crucial piece of advice to any marketplace seller when it comes to laws and regulations is to:

Stay informed & stay compliant

This means regularly checking for updates to the regulations that concern you as an ecommerce seller and taking the necessary steps to ensure that your business practices are in compliance with them. By taking the time to understand and apply the policies, you can set up your online business for success in a constantly evolving market.

If you are a Webinterpret seller, we encourage you to visit our Help Center section French EPR Frequently Asked Questions – our Customer Care team updates it regularly. Whenever in doubt, consult with your local business organization, chamber of commerce, or an experienced legal expert.