Although the European Union (EU) has established Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies through legislation like the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste, the implementation of these policies can still vary significantly across member states and is continually evolving. Since the Omnibus proposal was announced on February 26th, consulting firms and non-profits have debated its impact—not just on reporting companies (as we discussed here) but also on the efficacy of the EU’s Green Deal and its broader sustainability ambitions.
On EPR overview internationally
While EPR policies share a common goal—shifting the responsibility of waste management from consumers and governments to producers—their implementation varies widely across regions. Some countries enforce strict, centralized regulations with heavy penalties for non-compliance (e.g., South Korea), while others take a decentralized approach with state- or province-level policies (e.g., the US and Canada). Additionally, some frameworks emphasize financial contributions from producers, while others focus on physical take-back schemes or circular economy incentives. Understanding these variations is crucial for businesses operating in multiple markets, as compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and financial burdens differ significantly.
In this article, we will explore EPR frameworks beyond the EU, offering a broad overview of how some of the world’s largest economies are adopting and adapting similar principles in diverse ways.
Country Overviews
| Key product categories | Key compliance factors | |
| United States (US) | Packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals… | State-level EPR laws enacted in states like Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, and Maine, with others in development, focussing on packaging. No national policy and none expected under the Trump administration. |
| Canada | Packaging, electronics, batteries, tyres… | Province-level EPR laws enacted in British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. A Federal Plastics Registry on its way. |
| Brazil | Packaging, electronics, batteries, tyres, agrochemicals… | Brazil’s pioneering 2010 credit policy has recently been updated in 2022 to enhance enforcement and circularity where it has been lacking. Reverse logistics certificates as well as engaging the informal waste picking sector play a key role in monitoring and compliance. |
| Mexico | Packaging, electronics, plastics, batteries, lighting… | Largely organised at a state and local level, but Mexico’s new government has proposed expansions to circularity and recycling targets (e.g., for electronics) but feasibility and enforceability of these plans is debated. |
| China | Packaging, electronics, batteries… | Electronics and battery producers are tasked with waste management, implementing more eco-design, and transparency. EPR implementation for packaging expected to be added to this legislation in 2025. |
| Japan | Packaging, electronics, vehicles, appliances… | Some form of EPR in place since the 1990s, making it the first in Asia, with most of the focus on bottles and other packaging. Specific laws, created in the 1990s and 2000s, dictate each product type, from vehicles to appliances. |
| South Korea | Packaging, batteries, tyres, lubricants… | The system is managed centrally, unlike some countries, where it is done by industry, but companies can choose to manage it themselves. High financial penalties for non-compliance, much greater than the cost of recycling. |
| India | Plastic, batteries, electronics, tyres… | Separate laws govern different product types, but all require registration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Often implemented by the informal waste management sector. |
| Australia | Packaging, electronics, batteries, tyres… | Much of the waste is managed by voluntary and mandatory “product stewardship schemes” at the federal and regional levels, but some categories, such as tyres and mobile phones are led by the industries themselves. |
| South Africa | Packaging | 2020 legislation requires producers of paper and plastic packaging to integrate EPR principles. Registration with the Department of Forests, Fisheries, and the Environment or, later, the Waste Information Centre, is mandatory. |
As illustrated in the table above, EPR strategies and their scope differ significantly across countries, even among those that have implemented these policies for many years. In some nations, EPR is managed at the federal level, while in others, it is handled regionally. The responsibility for these programs also varies—some are led by governments, others by industries, and in many cases, they involve coalitions of multiple stakeholders. The primary areas of focus are typically packaging and single-use plastics, with an increasing emphasis on electronic waste as its generation continues to rise.
Do you want your company to stay ahead of the changes?
Looking ahead, EPR policies are expected to become more stringent, with increased reporting requirements, stricter eco-design mandates, and broader product coverage. Many jurisdictions are expanding EPR frameworks to include textiles, furniture, and other durable goods, in addition to traditional categories like packaging and electronics. Transparency will also be a growing focus, with digital tracking systems and producer responsibility databases (e.g., Canada’s Federal Plastics Registry) becoming more common.
Given the dynamic nature of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks worldwide, it is clear that these systems are continually evolving in response to shifting environmental, economic, and regulatory landscapes. As such, stakeholders must remain agile and attentive to emerging trends and policy developments in order to effectively navigate the changing global landscape of EPR.
To stay ahead of evolving EPR requirements, companies should:
- Monitor Regulatory Developments: EPR rules are constantly changing, and keeping track of new regulations at national, regional, and international levels is essential.
- Improve Product Design: Investing in eco-design, recyclability, and material reduction can help companies lower compliance costs and align with future regulations.
- Engage in Industry Partnerships: Many successful EPR programs are led by industry coalitions. Companies should explore partnerships with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and other stakeholders to share compliance burdens.
- Enhance Transparency and Reporting: With digital compliance tracking becoming a priority, businesses should establish robust data collection and reporting mechanisms to ensure they meet regulatory requirements.
As global EPR policies continue to evolve, businesses that take a proactive approach will be better positioned to navigate regulatory challenges, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen their brand reputation in a sustainability-driven market. Keeping a close eye on legislative changes and emerging best practices will be key to long-term success in the circular economy.
Sources:
– “EPR in the Global Packaging Industry” by Misbah Syed (Oct 2024) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the Global Packaging Industry: A 2024 Analysis | LinkedIn
– “Extended Producer Responsibility Laws for Packaging Around the World” by Mitch Webster for PackagingSchool (Feb 2024) Extended Producer Responsibility Laws for Packaging Around The World
Country-specific:
United States:
– “EPR by Product” by Product Stewardship Institute (Sep 2024) EPR by Product Archives – Product Stewardship Institute
– “EPR: Extended Producer Responsibility Laws in the US” by Katie Krasts for SpecRight (Feb 2025) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Legislation | Specright
– “Outlook for Trump Administration Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Regulation, Enforcement, & Ligitation” by Beveridge & Diamond (Jan 25) Outlook for Trump Administration Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Regulation, Enforcement & Litigation
-“Pharmaceuticals” by Product Stewardship Institute (n.d.) Pharmaceuticals Archives – Product Stewardship Institute
Canada:
– “EPR Packaging Laws in Canada: Where are we now?” by RLG (Sep 2024) EPR Packaging Laws in Canada: Where are we now? – Reverse Logistics Group
– “Recent Changes to Extended Producer Responsibility in Canada” by Borden, Ladner, & Gervais (Nov 2024) Recent changes to extended producer responsibility in Canada | BLG
Brazil:
– “Brazil’s Environment Ministry to enforce solutions for product waste” by BVRio (Jul 2024) Brazil’s Environment Ministry to enforce solutions for product waste | BVRIO
– “Brazil Solid Waste Legisation (PNRS)” by Circular Action Hub (n.d.) Brazilian Solid Waste Legislation – Circular Action Hub
– “Out with the old: Solid waste management changes in Brazil” by Fernanda Negrão Pereira (Nov 2022) for Enhesa Out with the old: Solid waste management changes in Brazil | Enhesa
Mexico:
-“Challenges in Mexico’s Electronic Waste Recycling Goals” by Eliza Galeana (Feb 2025) for Mexico Business News Challenges in Mexico’s Electronic Waste Recycling Goals
– “Extended Producer Responsibility in Mexico: A Human Rights Perspective” by Adalberto Méndez (Jun 2023) for the International Alliance of Waste Pickers and WIEGO mexico-epr_IAWP_english.pdf
China:
– “China: Existing Regulations Related to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)” by Regional Knowledge for Marine Plastic Debris (2024) Extended Producer Responsibility | RKC-MPD
Japan:
– “End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling: A Comparative Analysis of China and Japan” by Auto Recycling World (Sep 2024) End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling: A Comparative Analysis Of China And Japan – Auto Recycling World
– “Japan” by Regional Knowledge for Marine Plastic Debris (Mar 2024) Extended Producer Responsibility | RKC-MPD
– “Solid Waste Management and Recycling Technology in Japan” by the Ministry of Environment (2012) swmrt.pdf
South Korea:
– “EPR Policies” by KORA (n.d.) kora
– “South Korean Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System” by Lorraine Li for ChemLink (Oct 2024). South Korea Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System | ChemLinked
India:
– “A Guide to EPR Compliance in India” by Recykal (Aug 2023). A Guide to EPR Compliance in India – Recykal
– “Extended Producer Responsibility: Indian Perspective” by Global Product Compliance Group (2024) qKTwo3C0RjT4padtrmpa8Imjn.pdf
Australia:
– “Australia proposes to reform packaging regulations, involving EPR for packaging” by Sadie Shen for ChemLinked (Oct 2024) Australia Proposes to Reform Packaging Regulations, Involving EPR for Packaging | ChemLinked
– “Product Stewardship” by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (2013) Product stewardship – DCCEEW
– “Reform of Packaging Regulation: Consultation Summary” by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Feb 2025) Reform of packaging regulation: Consultation summary – DCCEEW
South Africa:
– “Everything you Need to Know about Section 18 Regulations to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act” by MPact Waste Management (Oct 2022) Section 18 Regulations | Extended Producer Responsibility
