EPR in Finland 2025: New Requirements for Producers and Importers

The Packaging Act in Finland obliges companies to extended producer responsibility (EPR) throughout the entire lifecycle of their products. This regulation ensures that companies placing packaging on the Finnish market must collect, dispose of, and recycle it after its lifecycle.

The packaging EPR in Finland aims to reduce packaging waste and promote the circular economy. This is achieved through stricter regulations and higher requirements for material selection, recyclability, and take-back obligations. Since 2024, new packaging regulations apply in Finland, which companies must consider when complying with their packaging obligations.

In this blog post, we inform you about the latest developments in EPR in Finland. We explain what changes are coming and how we at Deutsche Recycling GmbH can support you in meeting your obligations.

• Since 2024: All companies placing packaging on the market must collect, dispose of, and recycle it in accordance with extended producer responsibility (EPR).
• From 2025: New EPR regulations for batteries, fishing gear, books, textiles, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals come into effect.

Finland: EPR for Packaging Applies to All Companies Since 2024

Until December 31, 2023, Finland had a revenue threshold for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, set at a global annual turnover of one million euros. Since January 1, 2024, this threshold has been eliminated. Now, all companies placing packaging on the Finnish market must comply with the legal EPR obligations, regardless of their size. These obligations include the take-back, disposal, and recycling of packaging.
Affected are in particular:

• Finnish packaging companies or importers (Requirements: Finnish VAT ID and domicile in Finland)
• Foreign operators who package products for the Finnish market or import packaged goods (Requirements: permanent establishment in Finland and registration as a branch in the trade register)
• Foreign businesses without a branch in Finland that sell packaged products online to Finnish end customers

Obligation to Appoint an Authorized Representative for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies without a registered office in Finland, but who introduce packaged goods to the Finnish market or sell them online to Finnish end users, are required to appoint an authorized representative based in Finland. This representative assumes the company’s obligations under extended producer responsibility (EPR) and acts as the point of contact for Finnish authorities. Appointing an authorized representative is essential for ensuring compliance with EPR regulations, particularly for registration, reporting, and organizing the take-back and recycling of packaging.

Key EPR Changes in Finland Starting 2025

Batteries

From August 18, 2025, the new EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542) takes effect. This regulation requires manufacturers selling batteries in Finland to meet certain EPR obligations, such as registration, reporting, and proper labeling. Foreign manufacturers must also appoint an authorized representative in Finland. Additionally, stricter take-back and recycling requirements for used batteries will be introduced.

Fishing Gear

As of January 1, 2025, fishing gear containing plastic will also be subject to EPR obligations. Manufacturers must finance the collection and disposal of these products and ensure they do not end up in the environment.

Textiles

New EPR requirements for textiles, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals are planned for 2025–2026. These will likely include additional reporting and recycling obligations, as well as requirements for material composition.

Single-Use Plastics (SUP)

As of January 1, 2025, manufacturers of certain single-use plastic products, such as wet wipes and balloons, must cover the costs of cleaning and disposal of these items. These products must also be clearly labeled to inform consumers about proper disposal.

Contact us if you have questions or specific concerns regarding EPR in Finland. We at Deutsche Recycling GmbH are happy to support you in the legally compliant implementation of your EPR obligations and ensure that you meet all legal requirements efficiently.