EPR packaging in Spain: New rules coming in 2025

Starting in 2025, there’s a significant change for companies shipping goods to Spain: both commercial and industrial packaging will require system participation. Until now, this rule applied only to household packaging, but come January 2025, commercial and industrial packaging will need to comply as well.

Here’s a breakdown of what this means for you and how you can gear up to meet all the new requirements smoothly.

 

What counts as commercial and industrial packaging?

From 2025 onward, household, commercial, and industrial packaging must be part of the system in Spain. So, what exactly falls under commercial and industrial packaging?

  • Commercial Packaging: Used in wholesale, retail, catering, offices, markets, and more within the service sector. Think of packaging for storing food in restaurants or displaying goods in stores. If you’re an e-commerce entrepreneur, consider packaging for storing inventory in warehouses as relevant to this category.

  • Industrial Packaging: Used in sectors like agriculture, livestock, forestry, or aquaculture. For example, packaging for storing and moving raw materials or factory products, such as chips in an iPhone, is considered industrial packaging. It’s essential to confirm these examples with reliable sources to ensure they align with legal definitions.

Who needs to comply?

Any company importing or using these packaging types in Spain will need to tackle specific registration and system obligations from 2025. This applies to both Spanish manufacturers and international retailers and importers.

Unlike other countries in Europe, in Spain, the responsibility isn’t automatically on the importers; it’s on whoever brings the packaging into Spain first or puts it on the market there. This might suggest a unique approach, but it’s generally aligned with European directives like Directive (EU) 2018/852, which mandates extended producer responsibility regimes for all packaging by 2025.

If you’re exporting to Spain, ensure your packaging is registered and meets all legal criteria. The concept of ‘subsidiary responsible parties’ requires further exploration to confirm its exact significance compared to broader terms like intra-community importers.

 

The importance of the NIF number

To comply with Spain’s new commercial and industrial packaging rules, companies must register with Spanish authorities. You’ll need your NIF number (Número de Identificación Fiscal), which acts as a tax ID, for registration. Once registered, you’ll receive an EPR number (Extended Producer Responsibility) to include on invoices and other business documents.

 

Tips to tackle your obligations in Spain

To prepare for Spain’s new packaging rules, here are some practical tips:

  • Register Early: Register ahead of time to receive your EPR number promptly and avoid last-minute issues.

  • Know Your Packaging: Review the packaging you import or use in Spain. Determine if it is commercial or industrial so you can take the appropriate steps.

  • Coordinate with Partners: If you’re working with local partners or service providers, ensure they understand the new rules and take the necessary actions.

  • Compliance Monitoring: Set up internal controls to ensure all requirements are consistently met.

  • Seek Advice: Due to the specific nature of Spain’s packaging rules, expert guidance can help you navigate compliance accurately.

By following these tips, you can meet Spain’s new regulations smoothly and avoid penalties.

 

Feeling overwhelmed?

Why not let Staxxer handle it for you? Schedule a call directly below to discuss it with our experts and get advice on your specific situation.

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