The French Ministry for Ecological Transition has launched a public consultation on a draft order that would postpone the launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for professional packaging from 1 July 2026 to 1 January 2027.
The scheme, established through legislation adopted in 2025, covers packaging used to market products consumed or used by professionals and was originally expected to begin in January 2025. The Ministry says the conditions were not in place for the scheme to start as planned, while the consultation is open until 10 September 2026. T
he proposed delay has prompted criticism over the continued costs borne by public waste management services for professional packaging, as well as concerns over the practical implementation of the scheme. Stakeholder feedback has called for the EPR system to be implemented without further postponement, with effective financial support for local authorities, simpler arrangements for professional wood packaging and specific provisions for rural areas.
Source: www.consultations-publiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr (in French)