EU Packaging EPR: License Fees by Country for Packaging Placed on European Markets
Reference for European packaging extended producer responsibility systems coordinated by PRO Europe (Green Dot / Der Grüne Punkt), requiring producers to pay license fees for packaging collection and recycling in each EU member state.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive requires all member states to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging. Producers placing packaged goods on any EU market must register with and pay license fees to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) in each country where they sell. PRO Europe coordinates the Green Dot (Der Grüne Punkt) trademark used by many national PROs. License fees vary dramatically by country due to differences in collection infrastructure, labor costs, recycling rates, and material types. Fees are typically calculated per tonne of packaging placed on the market, with eco-modulation incentivizing recyclable materials. Online merchants shipping to EU countries are subject to packaging EPR in the destination country.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
5 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| EU-wide (Plastic packaging) | €271–€1,955+/tonne (varies by country and plastic type) |
| EU-wide (Paper/Cardboard) | €150–€190/tonne (varies by country) |
| EU-wide (Glass) | €96–€102/tonne (varies by country) |
| EU-wide (Metal) | €48–€480/tonne (varies by country and metal type) |
| EU-wide (Composite/Beverage cartons) | €818–€1,080/tonne (varies by country) |
EU-wide (Plastic packaging)
€271–€1,955+/tonne (varies by country and plastic type)
Plastic packaging placed on any EU market
Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., PVC) can reach €3,909/tonne in some countries. Eco-modulation rewards recyclable plastics.
EU-wide (Paper/Cardboard)
€150–€190/tonne (varies by country)
Paper and cardboard packaging
EU-wide (Glass)
€96–€102/tonne (varies by country)
Glass packaging
Lowest per-tonne cost due to established recycling infrastructure
EU-wide (Metal)
€48–€480/tonne (varies by country and metal type)
Metal packaging (aluminum and steel)
Wide range due to aluminum being cheaper to recycle than steel in some markets
EU-wide (Composite/Beverage cartons)
€818–€1,080/tonne (varies by country)
Multi-material and composite packaging, beverage cartons
High fees due to difficulty of separating and recycling multi-material packaging
Enforcement
Producers placing packaged goods on EU markets without registering with the national PRO face fines, sales bans, and enforcement from national environmental authorities. Many EU countries now require online marketplaces to verify packaging EPR compliance before listing products from third-party sellers.
Official sources
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed semi-annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) — National EPR Implementations
- Country
- European Union
- Jurisdictions
- 5
- Category
- Eco-Participation Fees
Explore EU Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (Green Dot / PRO Europe) in practice
See how to automate this fee on Shopify and browse other regulations in this category.
Related use cases
Set up with Magical Fees on Shopify.
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Reference for Canadian provincial eco-fee and environmental handling fee (EHF) programs covering electronics, batteries, packaging, tires, and other regulated products under extended producer responsibility legislation.
View fee schedule →GermanyGerman ElektroG WEEE Eco-Fees
Reference for Germany's ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) requiring producers to register with Stiftung EAR and pay fees for WEEE collection and recycling.
View fee schedule →SpainSpanish RAEE/WEEE Producer Responsibility Fees
Reference for Spain's RAEE (Residuos de Aparatos Eléctricos y Electrónicos) extended producer responsibility system, requiring registration, eco-modulated fees, and recycling obligations for electronics producers.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) — Producer Responsibility Fees
Reference for the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) requiring extended producer responsibility for all batteries placed on the EU market, including registration, collection, recycling, and end-of-life management obligations.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Textile and Clothing EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)
Reference for extended producer responsibility (EPR) and eco-contribution schemes for textiles and clothing in the EU. France (Refashion) and other member states charge or require producer contributions; EU-wide EPR for textiles is coming by 2028.
View fee schedule →Can't find what you're looking for?
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