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Packaging obligations in Greece (2026)

Verified on: 2026-09-01

Draft
1 documented obligationAuthorised representative: depends on situation1 Providers →
Legal framework (EU & national)
EU framework: 
PPWR (EU) 2025/40, applicable since 12 Aug 2026
National: 
Law 2939/2001 on packaging and alternative recovery (including Art. 4Β on the producer register ΕΜΠΑ, inserted by Law 4496/2017) and framework Law 4819/2021 (EPR framework, ΕΟΑΝ; Art. 9(5) on the εξουσιοδοτημένος αντιπρόσωπος (authorised representative), Art. 11 on the ΕΜΠΑ); most recently amended/codified by Law 5270/2026 (ΦΕΚ Α΄ 9/23.01.2026).

The ΕΟΑΝ (Ελληνικός Οργανισμός Ανακύκλωσης / Hellenic Recycling Agency) supervises the EPR schemes and keeps the National Producer Register ΕΜΠΑ. The central collective scheme (ΣΣΕΔ, collective alternative management system) for packaging is ΕΕΑΑ/HERRCO ('blue bins'); the approval of the second scheme, Ανταποδοτική Ανακύκλωση, has been legally contested for years (revocation by the ΕΟΑΝ in 2012, partial annulment by the Council of State in 2014) – verify its status with the ΕΟΑΝ before joining. For single-use beverage packaging (plastic bottles and metal cans up to 3 l), the DRS Hellas deposit return scheme is being activated in stages (deposit €0.10 up to 0.5 l and €0.15 above 0.5 up to 3 l); beverage sellers should monitor the launch.

Packaging EPR (Greece)

Anyone making packaged goods available on the Greek market for the first time (filler/importer, including shipping packaging in online retail) must register in the ΕΟΑΝ's National Producer Register ΕΜΠΑ before placing goods on the market, join an approved collective scheme (ΣΣΕΔ, above all ΕΕΑΑ/HERRCO) and report volumes. The register number (ΑΜΠ) must be stated on sales documents (invoices); without ΕΜΠΑ registration, market access (including public procurement) is barred.

AuthorityΕΟΑΝ – Ελληνικός Οργανισμός Ανακύκλωσης (Hellenic Recycling Agency)
RegisterΕΜΠΑ – Εθνικό Μητρώο Παραγωγών (Nationales Produzentenregister)
Authorised representativedepends on situation
DeadlinesΕΜΠΑ registration and ΣΣΕΔ membership before placing goods on the market; annual ΕΜΠΑ report (according to practical guides by 31 March). PPWR authorised-representative obligation for distance sellers since 12 Aug 2026. DRS Hellas deposit return scheme being activated in stages.
CostsThe contributions (χρηματικές εισφορές) to the collective scheme are set per material and volume in the membership agreement; no public standard tariff of ΕΕΑΑ/HERRCO is published. Costs of ΕΜΠΑ registration: no reliable public figure.

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Providers for this obligation:ΕΕΑΑ / HERRCO – Ελληνική Εταιρεία Αξιοποίησης Ανακύκλωσης (Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation)Compare all schemes & representatives for Greece →
Why does this affect me cross-border?
Foreign online sellers making direct sales to Greek end customers count as the producer for the packaging and need ΕΜΠΑ registration plus ΣΣΕΔ membership; no de minimis threshold is provided (the obligation applies from the first unit). For sales via platforms, according to practical guides the producer obligation passes to the platform if the seller cannot prove an ΕΜΠΑ registration. Breaches of the registration and reporting obligations carry fines under Art. 20Α of Law 2939/2001.
Required documents
  • Mandate of the Greek authorised representative (if without an establishment in Greece)
  • Packaging volume and material data for ΣΣΕΔ and ΕΜΠΑ reports
  • ΕΜΠΑ registration certificate with ΑΜΠ number (for invoices and marketplaces)
Sources & verification status

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Legal information, not legal advice. The linked official sources prevail; data marked “draft” has not been finally verified.