Greece EPR

Lubricating Oils Tires Vehicles and Spare Parts Batteries and Accumulators Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Packaging

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging in Greece: A Complete Compliance Guide

If your business sells packaged products to consumers in Greece, complying with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws is mandatory. Greece has strengthened its environmental framework to enforce full producer responsibility across the packaging lifecycle.

This guide explains everything e-commerce sellers, manufacturers, and importers need to know about packaging EPR compliance in Greece.

1. Introduction to EPR in Greece

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) makes producers financially and operationally responsible for the collection, sorting, and recycling of packaging they place on the market.

In Greece, the system is overseen by the Hellenic Recycling Agency (EOAN). Producers must register and join an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), such as HERRCO (Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation).

2. Legal Framework and Regulations in Greece

Law 4819/2021: Core modernization of Greek waste management law
Law 5151/2024: Updates to reporting and compliance rules
Upcoming EU PPWR: Will enforce stricter recyclability and recycled content rules

3. Who Must Register for EPR Packaging in Greece ?

Greece applies a strict "no de minimis" rule. You must register if you place any packaging on the Greek market, including:

Manufacturers and packers in Greece
Importers of packaged goods, often through an Importer of Record (IOR/EOR) service
E-commerce sellers shipping directly to Greek consumers

4. EPR Categories: Packaging

Packaging is classified by type and material:

Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging
Paper/cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, wood, composites

Eco-modulation applies, with higher fees for hard-to-recycle materials, a principle similarly applied under France's packaging EPR law and Germany's packaging regulations.

5. Registration Process in Greece

Register with EMPA (National Producers Register) via EOAN
Obtain EPR registration number
Sign contract with an approved PRO such as HERRCO

6. Authorized Representative Requirements

Foreign distance sellers must appoint an Authorized Representative based in Greece who assumes full compliance responsibility.

7. Reporting Obligations and Deadlines

Annual declaration by March 31 via EMPA
Monthly/quarterly reporting depending on PRO
Record retention for at least 5 years for audits

8. EPR Fees and Eco-Contributions

Fees based on weight and material type
Higher charges for non-recyclable or composite plastics
Eco-modulated pricing system incentivizing recyclable packaging

For a full breakdown of our own service costs, see our pricing page.

9. Labeling Requirements

Material identification codes (e.g., PAP 20, PET 1)
Recycling instructions for proper disposal
Future alignment with EU PPWR harmonized labeling system

10. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines from €500 to €100,000 for regulatory breaches
Up to €1,000,000 for intentional misreporting or fraud
Marketplace bans and market exclusion

Given the complexity of packaging EPR compliance in Greece, many international sellers—including those managing goods that also fall under WEEE or battery EPR obligations—choose to work with a dedicated compliance partner to avoid registration errors and missed deadlines. If you need help registering with EMPA, joining an approved PRO, or managing your ongoing declarations, contact our compliance team for tailored support, or explore our full range of compliance services.