Understand
Professional packaging subject to EPR
From 1 January 2027, professional packaging, whatever its material, will be subject to the EPR scheme on professional packaging (EPRO).
What is professional packaging?
Professional packaging is packaging whose waste is generated by a professional in the course of their business, as opposed to household packaging. The distinction is not based on the packaging itself, but on who generates the waste: a professional in the course of their business, or a private individual at home.
The EPR scheme on professional packaging applies to packaging placed on the market for professionals in France (including the French overseas departments, regions and territories).
What does “placed on the market” mean for packaging?
Professional packaging is considered to have been placed on the market when:
it moves between two sites belonging to the same company with different SIRET numbers (French establishment registration numbers), even without a financial transaction
it is imported into France
it is supplied free of charge to another professional, for example as a sample
Which professional packaging is subject to EPR?
Professional packaging is divided into four categories:
Sales packaging
Packaging designed to constitute a sales unit at the point of sale. It contains the product and is intended for the end user.
Examples: cans, plastic and metal drums, IBCs, big bags, bottles, sachets, etc.
Grouped packaging
Packaging designed to group several sales units, whether sold as such or used to facilitate shelf replenishment. Examples: point-of-sale displays, pre-filled displays, etc.
Transport packaging
Packaging designed to facilitate the handling and transport of one or more sales units and to prevent damage during transport. Road, rail, sea and air freight containers are excluded. Examples: cardboard boxes, wooden/plastic pallets, stretch film, strapping, protective covers, wooden frames, cushioning and dividers, etc.
Primary-production packaging
Packaging intended for unprocessed products from agriculture, livestock farming, hunting, fishing or gathering.
Examples: big bags, crates, trays, etc.
Which packaging is excluded from EPR?
Packaging covered by the household packaging scheme
Packaging already covered by other EPR schemes (e.g. certain plant-protection and chemical-product packaging)
Packaging exported outside France (mainland France and the French overseas departments, regions and territories)
Reused packaging (not subject to the eco-contribution)
What if my packaging is used several times?
Reusable packaging
Packaging designed, created and placed on the market to make several trips or rotations during its life cycle, for the same use for which it was designed.
To be declared when first placed on the market in France, and subject to the eco-contribution.
Reused packaging
Reusable packaging that has undergone at least a second use for the same type of purpose for which it was designed.
To be declared for each new rotation after its first placing on the market; not subject to a new eco-contribution.
The added benefit
Using reused packaging or packaging containing recycled material reduces your eco-contribution.
Our teams support you in identifying reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities within your organisation.
Turn EPR into a competitive advantage
Benefit from Twiice’s support to manage your EPR obligations.
FAQ
What is the difference between household packaging and professional packaging?
The distinction is not based on the packaging itself, but on who generates the waste. Professional packaging is packaging whose waste is generated by a professional in the course of their business. The EPR scheme on professional packaging covers packaging placed on the market for professionals, as opposed to household packaging, which is covered by a separate EPR scheme.
How is my packaging counted?
Packaging is declared by weight for each material and by unit according to the predominant material, in accordance with French and European regulations.
How do I declare my packaging?
Declarations are made through MyTwiice in one of two ways: manual line-by-line entry, or import of a structured Excel file for high-volume declarations.
The Twiice declaration matrix lets you pre-fill 50% to 75% of the coding.
The Twiice declaration matrix guides you column by column and lets you pre-fill 50% to 75% of the coding.
How are single-use, reusable and reused packaging defined?
Single-use: packaging not designed to be reused. Subject to the full eco-contribution.
New reusable packaging: packaging designed for several rotations and placed on the market for the first time. Benefits from a reduction of at least 50% in the eco-contribution.
Reused: reusable packaging that has undergone at least a second use for the same type of purpose. No new contribution is payable. Not to be confused with recycled packaging.
Does rented packaging have to be declared?
Not by the company renting it. The company that manufactures the packaging, or has it manufactured under its own brand or to its own specifications for rental, is responsible for declaring it.
Is packaging for hazardous products included?
Yes. Packaging for hazardous products is included in the EPR scheme on professional packaging and has a specific classification in the declaration. However, Twiice has chosen a single pricing structure, regardless of whether the packaging contains hazardous products.
Is packaging for imported products included?
Yes. It must be declared by the importer, provided they are not the end user of the imported product.
Is packaging for unsold products included?
No. Packaging for unsold products does not need to be declared, as it is not considered to have been placed on the market.
Is packaging for returned products included?
For products returned within the statutory withdrawal period and put back on the market without repackaging, the packaging does not need to be declared a second time. Nor can it be considered reused packaging.
