EPR Compliance in France and Germany

If you sell on Amazon in France or Germany, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is not optional — it’s the law. Whether an EU-based seller or a U.S. brand expanding into Europe, you must comply with packaging and product take-back regulations before listing your goods.

How does it affect Amazon sellers in France and Germany, and how can you stay compliant without legal headaches?

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is an environmental policy that makes producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste collection and recycling. You must register with official waste management schemes and label your products accordingly.

EPR compliance is mandatory in many EU countries, with France and Germany being two of the strictest markets.

EPR in France: What You Need to Know

Selling on Amazon France requires that sellers comply with French EPR rules across specific product categories.

Who Needs to Register?

EU-Based Companies

If you’re based in the EU and sell products in France that fall under EPR categories (e.g., packaging, electronics, textiles), you must register with an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), such as Citeo (for packaging).

Non-EU Sellers (e.g., US-based companies)

Non-EU sellers must either: • Appoint an Authorized Representative in France, or • Use a fulfillment partner or importer that is already compliant.

Amazon may block your listings if you don’t submit your Unique Identification Number (UIN), which proves your registration.

What Categories Are Affected in France?

• Packaging • Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) • Batteries • Textiles and footwear • Furniture

EPR in Germany: Key Requirements for Amazon Sellers

Germany enforces EPR under regulations like the Packaging Act (VerpackG) and ElektroG (for electronics).

Packaging Registration: LUCID System

All sellers shipping to German customers must register with the LUCID packaging register and work with a dual system provider for recycling. This applies regardless of business size.

WEEE and Batteries

If you sell electronics or batteries, you must register with the EAR Foundation (Stiftung EAR) and follow take-back obligations.

UIN Numbers and Amazon Enforcement

As in France, Amazon Germany requires your EPR registration numbers. Amazon may suspend your product listings or restrict your account if you do not provide them.

Why This Matters: EPR Is Not Optional on Amazon Europe

Amazon now actively enforces EPR compliance in both France and Germany. Sellers who fail to comply risk: • Listing Removal • Loss of selling privileges • Regulatory fines from local authorities

Even if you’re a non-EU seller, you’re still legally responsible for EPR.

Get Help with EPR and Packaging Compliance

Meeting EPR obligations is complex — especially when selling across multiple countries. That’s why we created tools and resources to simplify it:

Download Our Free Packaging Compliance Guide

Learn which packaging types are affected, how to register, and what documents Amazon requires.

EPR Is Just One of Many EU Regulations

EPR is only one part of the broader compliance landscape Amazon sellers must follow in the EU — alongside: • VAT registration and filing • CE marking • Labeling and claims compliance • CPNP (for cosmetics)

Tools like Minefield Navigator help sellers stay compliant by automatically tracking which rules apply to their product types and where action is needed — no more guesswork.

If you’re expanding to Amazon, France, or Germany, EPR is one of the first things you need to get right. Compliance is mandatory whether you’re based in Europe or overseas — but with the right tools and partners, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start by registering for EPR, downloading your packaging guide, and exploring how Minefield Navigator can automate your compliance process across the EU.