The European Parliament has backed targeted administrative relief for EU-based small and micro-enterprises, adopting its negotiating position on proposed changes to waste rules.
The changes cover packaging, batteries, textiles, electrical and electronic equipment, and single-use plastics. They focus on the requirement to appoint an authorised representative to ensure compliance with extended producer responsibility rules.
Under the existing framework, producers placing products on the EU market pay fees that help cover collection, sorting and recycling costs. They are also required to appoint a representative for the relevant compliance obligations.
The European Commission proposed suspending the representative requirement in certain sectors to reduce barriers within the single market. MEPs favour a more targeted suspension limited to small and micro-enterprises established in the EU.
The proposed relief therefore concerns administrative representation and does not amount to a general exemption from waste management fees.
The changes are not yet final. Negotiations on the legislation’s final form will begin once the Council of the EU adopts its own position.
