Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging in Norway
In the wake of the 23rd of August 2017, no. 1289 regulation, Norway has instituted a robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, revolutionizing how packaging is handled within its market. This directive lays down substantial mandates, termed ‘basic requirements, dictating the creation, composition, reuse, and recycling of packaging materials.
Who must register
Within the Packaging Act and its associated regulations, a spectrum of entities — ranging from manufacturers, producers, and product importers to packaging importers — are tethered to these stringent guidelines.
What the Packaging includes
The Norwegian Packaging Act categorizes packaging materials into an exhaustive list encompassing:
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Plastics
- Polystyrene
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Glass
- Wood
- Foil
Thresholds
Companies that produce more than 1,000 kilograms of packaging per year are required to comply with the EPR rules.
Producers’ Obligations for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Norway
For producers engaging with EPR products, compliance hinges on securing a packaging registration number from the pertinent authority. This involves an intricate process:
Registration Protocol
- Producers undertake meticulous reporting of diverse packaging types to the Ministry of the Environment.
- Companies assume extended organizational responsibility by following the steps of the EPR registration and entering into contracts that include environmental contributions specific to each type of material.
Financial Obligations
Members of the organization that have completed EPR registration have a financial responsibility, which is determined by fees charged for each kilogram or unit of packaging supplied to the Norwegian market. These fees vary depending on the type of material and packaging category.
Reporting Mechanisms
The EPR reporting frequency is contingent upon the volume of packaging handled. Companies managing substantial quantities face more frequent reporting, with options ranging from six times a year for actual packaging usage to annual reporting or a fixed annual amount.
Authorized representative
Producers must designate an authorized proxy in Norway entrusted with executing tasks as stipulated in the authorization granted by the packaging company.
Reporting Deadline
Throughout the year, deadlines for EPR reporting are communicated by the extended organizational responsibility framework within Norway.