The UK Government has initiated the formal process of notifying the European Union about planned amendments to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging regulations in Northern Ireland.

This step marks the beginning of a legislative timeline that aims to implement the changes before the second year of the scheme begins.

Amended packaging rules to be laid before parliament

According to a government update, the amended regulations are scheduled to be introduced in Parliament in November 2025.

The changes will build upon the existing framework of the packaging EPR scheme, which is designed to hold producers accountable for the full lifecycle costs of packaging waste.

By notifying the European Union under the terms of the Windsor Framework, the UK is meeting its obligations to ensure regulatory alignment in Northern Ireland for areas covered by the Protocol.

The amendments are expected to take effect ahead of the scheme’s second operational year, beginning in 2026.

Consultation process involved stakeholders across the value chain

In developing the amendments, the government said it had engaged extensively with stakeholders from across the packaging supply chain, including manufacturers, retailers, waste management firms and local authorities.

Feedback received during this process influenced the proposed revisions, although specific changes have not yet been publicly detailed.

The update noted a commitment to ongoing dialogue with industry and public sector partners as the legislative process continues.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has also made a full policy update available online, outlining the background and next steps for the amended regulations.

EPR scheme aims to boost recycling and reduce waste

The Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, first introduced in 2023, requires producers to pay the full costs of managing packaging waste, including collection, treatment, and disposal.

It is part of the UK’s broader efforts to reduce packaging waste and increase recycling rates in line with environmental targets.

The scheme forms a key part of government policy to move towards a circular economy, with the goal of encouraging companies to design products with reuse and recyclability in mind.

The forthcoming amendments aim to fine-tune the scheme’s implementation and address operational challenges reported during its initial rollout.