MEPs support a targeted suspension of the requirement to appoint authorised representatives in every EU member state, aiming to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining environmental responsibilities.

Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The European Parliament has backed simplified waste compliance rules for small and micro businesses operating within the European Union, seeking to reduce administrative barriers while preserving companies’ responsibilities for waste collection, prevention and recycling.

In its position adopted on 20 October 2026, Parliament supported a targeted suspension of the requirement for certain businesses to appoint an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance in every member state where they sell their products.

The proposed changes cover waste legislation relating to packaging, batteries, textiles, footwear, electronic equipment and single-use plastics. The measures form part of the EU’s Environmental Omnibus package, which aims to simplify regulatory requirements and improve the functioning of the single market.

Targeted relief for small and micro enterprises

Under existing EU waste legislation, producers placing products on the market contribute financially towards the collection, sorting and recycling of those products once they become waste. These obligations operate under the extended producer responsibility system.

Companies are also generally required to appoint an authorised representative for EPR compliance in each member state where they sell their products.

The European Commission proposed suspending this requirement in certain sectors to reduce administrative obstacles within the single market. However, MEPs backed a more targeted approach, limiting the proposed exemption to EU-based small and micro enterprises.

The exemption would apply to businesses employing fewer than 50 people and with an annual turnover or balance sheet total below €10 million. Under Parliament’s position, the suspension would remain in place until 2035 or until a more comprehensive Circular Economy Act is adopted, whichever comes first.

Parliament also stressed that the proposed suspension would not remove other obligations under the EPR system, including waste-prevention requirements and the payment of applicable fees.

Digital cooperation and common reporting

To further reduce administrative costs for businesses operating across national borders, MEPs called for improved information exchange between member states, interoperable digital systems and common reporting requirements.

The measures are intended to make compliance more straightforward for smaller companies while ensuring that environmental responsibilities remain in place.

Rapporteur Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP, the Netherlands) said European companies should be able to grow and sell their products without facing unnecessary administrative burdens, while maintaining the EU’s environmental ambitions.

She stressed that businesses must remain responsible for the waste generated by their products and ensure that those products are properly collected and recycled.

Environmental protection and economic opportunities, she argued, should go hand in hand rather than creating unnecessary barriers for European businesses.

Strong parliamentary support

The parliamentary position on waste batteries and packaging waste received 616 votes in favour, nine against and 39 abstentions.

The position covering textile, footwear, electronic appliance and single-use plastic waste received 612 votes in favour, eight against and 39 abstentions.

Next steps

The proposals will now proceed towards negotiations with the Council of the European Union once the Council has adopted its position. These trilogue negotiations will determine the final form of the legislation.

The European Commission is also expected to propose a comprehensive Circular Economy Act later in 2026, potentially introducing a broader framework for the EU’s circular economy policies.

The proposed changes reflect the EU’s effort to balance environmental protection with the need to reduce regulatory complexity, particularly for smaller businesses operating across the European single market.