I am a very small maker. Does packaging EPR still apply to me?

Whether micro and small sellers are exempt from packaging EPR, the weight thresholds that exist in some countries, and how to work out where you stand.

Checked against the national sources on 2026-08-04.

Is there an EPR exemption for very small businesses?

There is no general EU-wide exemption for micro-enterprises from packaging EPR registration. Some individual countries set a weight threshold below which the obligation does not start: Latvia begins at 300 kg of packaging a year and Lithuania’s packaging tax at 0.5 tonnes, both checked on 4 August 2026. Thresholds differ by country and several exempt you from fees rather than from registering.

How much packaging does a small handmade shop actually place on the market?

A maker sending 300 small parcels a year at roughly 150 g of box, tape and filler each places around 45 kg of packaging in total, spread across every country they post to. That is well under the thresholds that exist, which is why the registration admin, not the fee, is usually the real cost.

Do I have to register in a country before my first sale there?

In countries that have a register and no applicable threshold, yes: the obligation attaches before packaging arrives, not after. Registering takes anywhere from minutes to several weeks depending on the country.

This is a summary, not legal advice. If you are unsure about your situation, check with your national scheme or an advisor.