The 2026 Citeo fee scales mark a decisive step in the evolution of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in France. This year represents a major turning point, with new European regulations taking effect and the scope of EPR extending to professional packaging on 1 July 2026.

For businesses subject to these rules, understanding these new fee scales is essential to anticipate compliance costs and optimise eco-design strategy. The 2026 household packaging eco-contributions reflect a stronger push towards the 3R objectives: Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.

This article details the expected fee changes, the new regulatory obligations and optimisation strategies to manage your contributions.

2026 regulatory context: the new obligations

2026 is a pivotal year for packaging EPR in France. The Order of 7 December 2023 sets the regulatory framework for producer responsibility organisations (PROs) covering household packaging and graphic paper for the 2024-2029 period, merging these two schemes under joint governance.

The main new development is the creation of EPR for professional packaging on 1 July 2026, governed by the Order of 2 December 2025. This extension covers all packaging used exclusively in B2B channels, representing a market estimated at over 3 million tonnes annually according to ADEME (the French environment agency).

The impact of the European PPWR regulation (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) will also be felt from 12 August 2026. This text harmonises European packaging rules and redefines the concept of producer, potentially widening the scope of businesses affected by the 2026 eco-contribution fee scales.

These regulatory changes come with strengthened obligations on the 3R objectives, with stricter performance thresholds and increased financial penalties for non-compliance with 2026 EPR declarations.

Changes to Citeo fee scales in 2026: detailed analysis

The 2026 Citeo fee scale keeps its three-part structure based on weight, unit and environmental modulations. This calculation formula now includes new eco-modulation coefficients to further encourage sustainable alternatives.

The most significant fee increases concern aluminium, with an average rise of 15% compared to 2025, reaching €2.85 per kilogram according to the latest Citeo data. This change reflects the need to fund specialised sorting and recycling infrastructure.

Plastic follows a similar path with differentiated fees depending on the resin: transparent PET benefits from a 10% recyclability bonus, while complex or multi-layer plastics face a penalty of up to 25% of the base rate.

The new environmental bonuses introduced in 2026 include a 5% reuse premium on the total contribution for packaging certified as reusable, and a recycled material bonus proportional to the incorporation rate (up to 15% reduction for 80% recycled material).

Modulations by industry sector

In 2026, Citeo introduces a new sector based modulation. The cosmetics and consumer electronics sectors are subject to a 1.2 increasing coefficient because their packaging is often oversized. Conversely, the food industry benefits from a 0.9 reducing coefficient to account for health constraints.

Citeo vs Leko comparison: which strategy should you choose?

The arrival of Leko on the household packaging market offers an alternative to businesses historically tied to Citeo or Adelphe. The 2026 fees between these producer responsibility organisations (PROs) show marginal differences on most materials, with gaps below 3%.

The main differences concern niche materials: Leko offers competitive rates for stoneware and ceramics (€0.02/kg versus €0.04/kg at Citeo), while Citeo remains competitive on ferrous metals.

The differentiated approach lies more in services: Citeo relies on its long standing expertise and advanced management tools, while Leko positions itself on personalised customer relationships and simplified processes for small and medium businesses.

The choice between PROs remains possible until 30 November each year, with effect from 1 January the following year. This flexibility allows businesses to adjust their strategy according to changes in their product mix and volumes.

Cost optimisation: practical advice for 2026

Managing Citeo packaging contributions requires a structured eco-design approach. Weight reduction remains the most effective lever: every gram saved represents between €0.002 and €0.008 in savings per unit depending on the material.

Incorporating recycled materials is the second area of optimisation. Bonuses granted by Citeo can offset up to 15% of the base contribution, a potential saving of several thousand euros for a business placing 100,000 units on the market annually.

Reuse represents the most attractive opportunity, with a 5% premium on the total contribution. For a business paying €50,000 in annual contributions, this premium can generate €2,500 in savings, largely justifying investment in deposit or reuse systems.

2026 schedule and invoicing

2026 declarations (covering products placed on the market in 2025) must be submitted before 28 February 2026. Invoicing is done quarterly, with the possibility of staggered payments for businesses facing difficulties, on presentation of supporting documents.

Newly liable businesses benefit from enhanced support through the "first time declarant" scheme offered by all PROs, including a free audit of obligations and a personalised cost simulator.

FAQ

When will the final 2026 Citeo fees be published?

The final 2026 Citeo fees will be published before 1 December 2025, in line with the PROs' specifications. A provisional version is usually available from September to let businesses plan their budgets in advance.

Does the professional packaging EPR scheme affect household fees?

No, the professional packaging EPR scheme has its own fee scale from 1 July 2026. Household packaging keeps its separate fee scale, but some mixed packaging may need to be split between the two schemes.

How can you benefit from the recycled materials bonus?

The recycled materials bonus requires certification of the incorporation rate by an accredited body. Supporting documents must be submitted with the annual declaration, with a minimum rate of 25% to trigger the bonus and a cap of 15% reduction for 80% recycled material.

Can you change PRO during the year?

No, you can only change PRO on 1 January each year, with notice given before 30 November of the previous year. Exception: newly liable businesses can join during the year, with immediate effect on future products placed on the market.

How do you calculate your exact 2026 Citeo contributions?

The calculation follows this formula: (Weight × Material rate + Unit × Unit rate) × Environmental modulations × Sector coefficient. Citeo offers an online simulator to estimate your contributions in real time, based on your product mix and packaging characteristics.

What's new regarding penalties for late declarations?

From 2026, late penalties rise to 3% per month of delay (up from 1.5% previously), with a cap of 25% of the total contribution. A 15-day grace period remains in place for first-time declarants. Repeat offenders face a permanent 1.1 increase coefficient on their future contributions.