Slovakia
Extended producer responsibility for packaging in Slovakia
In Slovakia, the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations commenced in 2016, initially focusing on sorted packaging waste. Subsequently, Act No. 302/2019 Coll. has significantly expanded and refined the responsibilities and obligations outlined in the Waste Act, with a specific emphasis on Single-use Beverage Packaging.Who must register for packaging EPR in Slovakia
Under EPR registration Slovakia rules, the following entities are obligated:- Domestic producers of packaged goods
- Importers placing packaged goods on the Slovak market
- Retailers and distributors introducing packaging as part of their products
- Distance sellers and foreign e-commerce platforms (with local representative obligations)
What the package includes
EPR packaging Slovakia applies to all household and commercial packaging, including:- Primary packaging (e.g., bottles, wrappers, containers)
- Secondary and group packaging (e.g., boxes, trays)
- Tertiary packaging (e.g., pallets, shrink wrap for logistics)
- Materials such as: plastic, paper/cardboard, glass, metal, wood, composites
Thresholds
Regarding the prerequisite for system involvement, there is no set minimum; all producers and sellers must register.EPR registration procedure in Slovakia
Steps for EPR registration Slovakia include:- Register with the Ministry of Environment via the central waste management system or assigned register
- Sign an agreement with an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) (e.g., ENVI - PAK, NATUR-PACK)
- Submit data on the type and weight of packaging placed on the market
- Pay annual eco-fees based on material type and volume
- Ensure packaging is properly labeled and complies with national recyclability standards
Authorized representative
The Slovak and foreign producers must nominate an authorized representative based in Slovakia to register the packaging law requirements on behalf of the producer, and the agreement is granted for at least one year.Reporting deadline
The reporting deadline is the 10th day of the month following the reporting quarter.Who assumes responsibility?
Responsibility lies with:- Producers and importers introducing packaging or packaged goods into the market
- Authorized representatives acting for foreign entities
- E-commerce operators, especially for cross-border B2C sales
Duties of each group
- Producers: Register, report, join a PRO, pay fees, and meet recycling targets
- Authorized Representatives: Ensure non-resident producers are fully compliant
- PROs (e.g., ENVI - PAK, NATUR-PACK): Organize collection, sorting, public awareness campaigns, and documentation
- Ministry of Environment / Inspectorate: Oversee compliance, maintain the packaging register, and enforce penalties
Extended producer responsibility for (EPR) EEE in Slovakia
Slovakia enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) under Act No. 79/2015 Coll. on Waste, aligning with EU Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE Directive). This legislation mandates that producers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of EEE products, including their end-of-life disposal and recycling. The Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic oversees the EPR framework, while compliance is facilitated through authorized Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) such as NATUR-PACK and SEWAWho must register for EPR in Slovakia
The following entities are obligated to register under EPR Slovakia for EEE:
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Manufacturers placing EEE on the Slovak market under their own brand
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Importers or intra-EU acquirers bringing EEE into Slovakia for distribution
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Distance sellers without a Slovak establishment, selling EEE directly to end-users in Slovakia
These entities must register with the national EEE producer register and fulfill EPR obligations accordingly.
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What the package includes
EPR packaging Slovakia encompasses all categories of EEE, including but not limited to:
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Large household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines)
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Small household appliances (e.g., toasters, vacuum cleaners)
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IT and telecommunications equipment (e.g., computers, phones)
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Consumer equipment (e.g., TVs, radios)
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Lighting equipment (e.g., fluorescent lamps, LED lamps)
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Electrical and electronic tools (e.g., drills, saws)
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Toys, leisure, and sports equipment (e.g., electric trains, video games)
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Medical devices (excluding implanted and infected products)
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Monitoring and control instruments (e.g., smoke detectors, thermostats)
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Automatic dispensers (e.g., vending machines)
Threshold
There is no de minimis threshold for EPR registration in Slovakia. Any entity placing EEE on the Slovak market, regardless of quantity, must comply with EPR obligations.EPR registration procedure in Slovakia
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Register with the national EEE producer register maintained by the Ministry of Environment
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Join an authorized PRO, such as NATUR-PACK or SEWA, by signing a service agreement
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Submit required documentation, including company details and product information
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Report the quantities of EEE placed on the market, categorized by type and weight
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Pay applicable fees to the PRO for the collection, treatment, and recycling of EEE waste
The registration process typically takes 8–12 weeks, and compliance must be maintained through regular reporting and fee payments.
Authorized representative
Foreign companies without a legal presence in Slovakia must appoint an authorized representative based in Slovakia to fulfill EPR obligations on their behalf. The authorized representative is responsible for registration, reporting, fee payments, and communication with authorities.Reporting deadline
EEE producers are required to submit quarterly reports detailing the quantities and categories of EEE placed on the Slovak market. Reports are due by the 10th day of the month following each quarter
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Q1 (Jan–Mar): Due by April 10
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Q2 (Apr–Jun): Due by July 10
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Q3 (Jul–Sep): Due by October 10
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Q4 (Oct–Dec): Due by January 10 (of the following year)
Timely reporting ensures compliance and avoids potential penalties.
Who assumes responsibility?
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Slovak manufacturers / packers carry full liability from the moment a product is first placed on the Slovak market
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Importers or intra-EU acquirers assume full liability at customs clearance if the product isn’t already registered upstream
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Foreign distance sellers are liable—through a Slovakia-based authorised representative—when they dispatch a direct B2C shipment to a Slovak consumer
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Producer Responsibility Organisations (e.g., NATUR-PACK, SEWA) take on operational duties for recycling once a membership contract is signed
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The Ministry of Environment maintains the registry and enforces compliance through data checks and audits
Duties of each group
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Producers / importers: Obtain EPR registration, join a PRO, pay eco-fees, file accurate quarterly data, and maintain records for five years
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Authorized representative: Hold a Slovak tax ID, maintain a valid mandate, submit all declarations and payments, and act as the main point of contact for the Ministry of Environment
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PROs: Achieve material-specific collection/recycling targets, run nationwide collection infrastructure, audit producer data, and forward statistics to the Ministry of Environment
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Ministry of Environment: Enforce compliance, keep the register up to date, cross-check customs data, and issue fines for non-compliance
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for non-packaging in Slovakia
Plastic-based products pervade every aspect of our society. The term “non-packaging plastic” encompasses a wide range of materials used in the production of various goods. These items may be entirely composed of plastic, either in a singular form or as a blend, or they may incorporate multiple materials, including plastics amalgamated to create intricate products.Who must register for EPR in Slovakia
According to EPR registration Slovakia rules, the following entities are considered producers and must register:- Manufacturers and importers placing non-packaging products on the Slovak market
- E-commerce platforms or distance sellers targeting end users in Slovakia
- Distributors, wholesalers, or retailers selling under their own brand
- Foreign companies that deliver non-packaging products into Slovakia (must appoint a local representative)
What the package includes
EPR Slovakia for non-packaging products currently applies to:- Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): from household appliances to IT devices
- Batteries and Accumulators: portable, industrial, and automotive
- End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs): cars and light vans
- Tires: all types, regardless of use
- Textiles and Footwear: commercial and consumer clothing products
- Lubricating oils and other specialized categories under evolving legislation
What is considered a non-packaging material?
A non-packaging product refers to an item not intended for packaging or that does not serve as packaging. It falls into one of the following product categories, contributing to municipal waste:- Plastic products made from PET material, excluding raw materials, preforms, and fibers for industrial use. Also, plastic products made from PE, PP, PS, PVC, or PA material, excluding raw materials, fibers, and industrial-use products
- Paper and paperboard, including imported paper and paperboard products, except for certain printing products
- Glass, including plate glass
Thresholds
No specific minimum thresholds are set, necessitating all producers to register under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for non-packaging materials.EPR registration procedure in Slovakia
Compliance registration for non-packaging materials regulations in Slovakia entails several steps:- Register as a manufacturer of non-packaged products after releasing them on the market
- Register with an Authorized Representative based in Slovakia
- Enroll in a compliance scheme to cover the costs of collecting and recycling non-packaging materials
- Fulfill the required license fee payment
- Obtain the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) number for the company
- Report the quantity of non-packaging products released into the market
Authorized representative
Foreign companies must appoint a representative in Slovakia, known as the Authorized Representative (AR). This individual or entity acts on behalf of the foreign company, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Slovakia.Reporting deadline
Reporting frequency is quarterly, with submissions required electronically by the 10th day after the previous quarter ends.Who assumes responsibility?
Responsibility lies with the producer of a non-packaged product, defined as an individual or entity engaged in business activities that involve:- Manufacturing or organizing the manufacturing of a non-packaging product
- Transporting or arranging for the transportation of a non-packaging product
- Importing or arranging for the import of a non-packaging product
Duties of each group
- Producers: Register, join a PRO, report data, finance take-back and treatment
- Authorized Representatives: Fulfill all legal and administrative obligations on behalf of foreign sellers
- PROs: Organize collection networks, ensure recovery targets are met, submit reports to authorities
- Ministry and Inspectorate: Monitor compliance and impose enforcement actions