A new EPR scheme to fight single-use plastics, particularly in fishing
A stronger legal framework against plastic pollution
Marine pollution is now one of the major environmental challenges. Among the most persistent waste, fishing gear containing plastic represents a significant volume, with direct consequences for biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
The decree of 25 June 2025 officially creates an EPR (extended producer responsibility) scheme dedicated to this equipment. This measure follows the European SUP directive (Single-Use Plastics), which targets the reduction of single-use plastics, particularly in the most polluting sectors.
Who is affected by this new scheme?
All producers, importers and distributors of fishing gear containing plastic must now:
- Register with an approved producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the new EPR scheme;
- Pay an eco-contribution proportional to the volumes placed on the market;
- Ensure traceability and declare the quantities and types of gear concerned;
- Contribute to funding the collection, treatment and recycling of this equipment.
This covers: nets, ropes, pots, longlines, and any other equipment containing plastic components.
Objectives of the reform
This new EPR scheme aims to:
- Reduce marine pollution through better management of fishing gear waste;
- Improve collection and recycling of plastic materials;
- Fund research and innovation to develop sustainable alternatives;
- Hold the supply chain accountable, from design to placing on the market.
A logistical and regulatory challenge for the sector
Setting up this EPR scheme requires:
- Precise identification of products covered by the decree;
- Adapting billing and reporting systems;
- Coordination with producer responsibility organisations to meet deadlines;
- Anticipating future changes, as the fight against single-use plastics is set to intensify in other sectors.
Anticipate the expansion of the fight against single-use plastics with CompliancR
This regulation is only a first step. After fishing, other sectors are expected to see similar obligations emerge: specific packaging, sports equipment, horticultural products and even medical devices.
For businesses, this means that anticipation becomes a competitive advantage.
With CompliancR, you can:
- Monitor regulatory changes for all EPR schemes, including those in preparation;
- Adapt your product sheets and catalogue ahead of new obligations;
- Simulate the financial impact of future eco-contributions to adjust your prices and margins;
- Centralise your compliance data to be ready to respond as soon as a new EPR scheme is introduced.
Our mission: to help you stay one step ahead in a regulatory landscape that is rapidly expanding to cover all single-use plastics, particularly beyond the fishing sector.
CompliancR: simplifying EPR compliance, scheme by scheme
At CompliancR, we already support producers in more than 15 EPR schemes.
With this new obligation, our platform allows you to:
- Automatically identify fishing gear subject to EPR;
- Calculate your exact eco-contributions, according to official fee scales;
- Generate and submit your declarations to producer responsibility organisations;
- Centralise your supporting documents to respond quickly to inspections.
The fight against single-use plastics, particularly in specific sectors like fishing, requires fast and reliable compliance. CompliancR turns this obligation into a smooth, well managed process.
Find out how CompliancR can help you be compliant from today.