Government Confirms One-Off Intervention for Year 1 of Packaging EPR
The UK Government has confirmed a one-time intervention to address a shortfall identified in Year 1 of the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme.
This update follows a review by PackUK, which identified that more accurate packaging data resubmitted by producers has resulted in a lower total packaging tonnage than originally reported. As a result, the total funding generated through producer fees was lower than initially calculated.
Why Has This Happened?
As reporting for the first year of pEPR has progressed, many producers have resubmitted packaging data while familiarising themselves with the new reporting requirements. These resubmissions were accepted by regulators and have refined the data underpinning fee calculations.
Under the regulations, a recalculation of per-tonne disposal fees would normally have been required in this situation. However, recognising that Year 1 represents a significant transition for businesses adapting to a complex new system, the Government has taken action to maintain stability.
What Has the Government Agreed?
To ensure local authorities receive the full level of funding committed under pEPR, the UK Government has agreed to close the funding gap for Year 1.
This is a one-off intervention designed to:
- Mitigate increasing costs for producers
- Provide stability during the first year of the scheme
- Ensure funding commitments to local authorities are met
What This Means for Producers
PackUK has confirmed that:
- There will be no change to Year 1 disposal fees.
- Fees per tonne will remain as outlined in producers’ Notices of Liability (NoLs) issued in October 2025.
- Producers who resubmitted packaging data and had their submissions accepted by the regulator will receive updated Notices of Liability reflecting the approved tonnages by the end of March.
Going Forward
Year 1 has been recognised as a transitional period for a scheme of this scale. As familiarity with reporting requirements increases, the scale of data corrections is expected to reduce significantly in future years.
To support greater data stability and improve confidence for businesses, PackUK has indicated it will:
- Bring forward the deadline for producer data submissions
- Use refined Year 1 data to improve guidance and future fee calculations
- Take steps to prevent late adjustments in subsequent years
These measures are intended to help producers plan with greater certainty in future compliance periods.
Here to Help
PackUK has published formal confirmation of this update on GOV.UK.
Clarity will continue to monitor developments and keep members informed of any further updates to the packaging EPR framework.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact your usual Clarity account manager and we will be pleased to assist.
