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Packaging obligations in Ireland (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: 
European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 282/2014), most recently substantially amended by the European Union (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 659/2022): since 1 Jan 2023, 'Major Producers' must be members of an approved body; the earlier self-compliance route via the Local Authorities was abolished.

Repak is Ireland's only state-approved packaging compliance scheme; its approval was renewed in 2025/2026 for 10 years (valid 1 Jan 2026 to 30 Sep 2035, reviews in H1 2029 and H1 2032) and is expressly geared to the PPWR transition. Enforcement lies with the Local Authorities (coordinated via the WERLA regional waste enforcement authorities). For single-use beverage bottles (PET) and cans, the Re-turn deposit return scheme has additionally applied since February 2024; DRS packaging is shown separately as 'Non DRS' categories in the Repak 2026 tariff. Which Irish body will operate the PPWR producer register (Art. 44) had not yet been officially designated as at the review date.

Packaging EPR (Ireland)

Anyone placing packaged goods on the Irish market for the first time (including shipping packaging in online retail) falls under the Packaging Regulations 2014. 'Major Producers' – companies with more than €1 million annual turnover AND more than 10 tonnes of packaging per year in Ireland – have had to join Repak, the only approved scheme, and report packaging statistics since 1 Jan 2023. Since 12 Aug 2026, the PPWR obligations (registration under Art. 44, authorised representative for distance sellers under Art. 45) apply alongside, without any volume threshold.

AuthorityDepartment of Climate, Energy and the Environment (Vollzug: Local Authorities / WERLA)
Authorised representativedepends on situation
DeadlinesObligation to join once the Major Producer threshold is reached (including where exceeding it in the following year is foreseeable); statistics submissions each February and August. PPWR registration and authorised-representative obligations have applied since 12 Aug 2026.
CostsRepak fees for 2026 per tonne and material, differentiated by role in the supply chain; for brandholders/importers e.g. €41.60/t (paper/cardboard, recycled), €165.70/t (recyclable plastic), €616.22/t (non-recyclable plastic), €19.14/t (glass). Scheduled Membership (only for bricks-and-mortar direct retailers without imports/own brands) as a turnover-based flat fee. Up to 6 years of back fees for late membership.

Your to-dos

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Providers for this obligation:Repak LimitedCompare all schemes & representatives for Ireland →
Why does this affect me cross-border?
Foreign online sellers delivering directly to Irish end customers count as the producer for this packaging under the PPWR producer definition. Above the national threshold (€1 million turnover and 10 t of packaging in Ireland) there is an obligation to join Repak as a 'Major Producer'. Below the threshold, the PPWR obligations (registration, authorised representative) nevertheless apply since 12 Aug 2026; under the PPWR, platforms and fulfilment service providers will in future have to check their sellers' compliance. Non-compliance risks enforcement action by the Local Authorities and up to 6 years of back payments ('back fees') for late Repak membership.
Required documents
  • Packaging statistics (weights per material and supply-chain role, half-yearly)
  • Turnover and volume evidence for the threshold check
  • Mandate of the PPWR authorised representative (if without an establishment in Ireland)
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.