In 2026, the EPR declaration for professional packaging becomes a reality for all businesses placing products on the French market. Between the regulatory entry into force in January and the first eco-contributions due from 1 July, the timeline is tight and requires methodical preparation.

Below you'll find a complete guide on when to act, how to organise your first EPR EPRO declaration and secure your compliance without stress.

When and how do you make your EPR declaration? The 2026 timeline you shouldn't miss.

Reading time: ~12 min

Understanding the EPR EPRO declaration in 2026

EPR (extended producer responsibility) requires any business placing products on the French market to fund and organise the end of life of its packaging. The new "professional packaging" scheme, EPR EPRO, extends this responsibility to packaging that was previously less regulated.

EPR no longer applies only to consumer packaging; it also covers packaging used between businesses: drums, cans, buckets, crates, grouping film, pallets, wrapping, bags, big bags, and so on. A producer is any entity (manufacturer, importer or distributor putting its brand on the product) that places this packaging on the French market.

The declaration has two purposes: collecting data (tonnage, materials, types) and forming the basis for calculating eco-contributions paid to a producer responsibility organisation (PRO) or under an individual system. For the catering sector, a transitional period applies: the old regime until 30 June 2026, then a switch to the new scheme on 1 July.

Key 2026 dates

1 January 2026: regulatory entry into force

The decree setting the scope, the definition of producers and the main obligations becomes applicable. However, no contribution is due before July.

Until 28 February 2026: submission of accreditation applications

PROs must apply for accreditation before this date. Your choice of scheme will depend on the list subsequently published in the Journal Officiel.

1 January to 30 June 2026: catering transitional period

Catering packaging is still declared under the old regime. Separate your data between the first and second half of the year now, to avoid confusion later.

1 July 2026: start of operational obligations

From this date:

No contribution is due for packaging placed on the market before 1 July. The first eco-contributions apply to all professional packaging (sale, grouping, transport, primary production). You must have joined a PRO or set up an individual system, and submit your forecasts for July to December 2026.

January to February 2027: first actual declaration

You then declare the tonnage placed on the market between July and December 2026. The PRO sends the data to ADEME (the French environment agency) before the end of May and adjusts your contributions if necessary.

Implementing your EPR declaration

1. Identify your producer status

You are concerned if you design, import or distribute under your own brand packaged products intended for professionals, whatever your sector and size.

2. Map your packaging

List material, function (sale, grouping, transport, primary production) and annual volumes. This data will feed your 2026 forecasts, then your 2027 declaration.

3. Choose and join a producer responsibility organisation (PRO)

As soon as approvals are published, compare fee scales, declaration tools and the support on offer. When you join, submit your forecasts for July to December 2026.

4. Set up a data collection process

Appoint an EPR contact, define your data sources, document your assumptions and update your information systems to track packaging placed on the French market.

5. Submit your first declaration and prepare for checks

In January and February 2027, declare through your PRO's portal. Keep supporting documents and methodologies. Respond to any requests for clarification from the organisation or the authorities.

Frequently asked questions

Does the EPR scheme for professional packaging apply to businesses of all sizes?

Yes. Reduced thresholds may exist, but the general obligation applies to any business placing professional packaging on the French market.

Do I have to pay for packaging placed on the market before July 2026?

No. Contributions only apply to packaging placed on the market from 1 July 2026.

What happens if I have not joined a scheme before July 2026?

You risk non-compliance and financial penalties. Get organised in the first half of 2026 to choose your PRO.

How should I manage food service packaging in 2026?

First half of the year: previous scheme. From 1 July: new scheme. Keep your data clearly separated in your systems.

Is the EPR declaration just an administrative burden?

No. Well structured data lets you target source reductions, optimise eco-contribution costs and strengthen your environmental commitments.

Getting ready now

Three pillars for a smooth declaration:

Understand your status and the scope of your packaging. Plan ahead for joining a PRO and sending your forecasts for July to December 2026. Structure your data collection processes for the actual declaration in early 2027.

By getting organised today, you turn this regulatory obligation into an opportunity to better manage your packaging flows and their impact. To learn more, see our guide on the steps to EPR compliance. To secure your approach, you can also discover our EPR solutions.