Switzerland EPR

Extended producer responsibility for packaging in Switzerland

Switzerland does not yet operate a fully mandatory, centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for packaging comparable to EU Member States. Instead, packaging waste management is currently based on voluntary industry-led schemes, municipal collection systems, and material-specific recycling obligations.

However, Switzerland is actively moving toward a formal EPR packaging framework, with reforms expected as part of the upcoming Packaging Ordinance (Verpackungsverordnung – VerpV), which aims to close existing regulatory gaps and align more closely with EU EPR standards.

Environmental oversight and policy development fall under the responsibility of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU), which plays a key role in shaping future EPR Switzerland obligations.

Who must register for Packaging EPR in Switzerland

At present, there is no mandatory national EPR registration Switzerland system for packaging.

That said, the following entities are considered responsible for packaging waste placed on the Swiss market:

• Producers and brand owners placing packaged goods on the Swiss market

• Importers introducing packaged products into Switzerland

• Retailers and distributors, including e-commerce sellers

These companies are expected to contribute to packaging waste recovery either through voluntary compliance schemes or material-specific recycling contributions.

Once the upcoming EPR packaging Switzerland framework enters into force, formal registration requirements are expected to apply.

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What the packaging includes

Packaging in scope typically includes all materials used to contain, protect, handle, deliver, or present goods, including:

• Primary (sales) packaging

• Secondary (grouped) packaging

• Tertiary (transport) packaging

Material streams commonly addressed in Switzerland include:

• Paper and cardboard

• Glass

• Plastics

• Metals (aluminium, steel)

• Beverage cartons

These materials are already subject to separate collection and recycling obligations through municipal or industry systems, forming the foundation of Switzerland packaging recycling.

Threshold EPR registration procedure in Switzerland

Currently, Switzerland does not apply thresholds (e.g. turnover, weight, or unit volume) that trigger mandatory EPR packaging Switzerland registration.

Instead, businesses are expected to:

1. Identify packaging materials placed on the Swiss market

2. Participate in existing voluntary recycling systems

3. Pay applicable recycling or advance disposal fees where required

4. Monitor upcoming regulatory changes under the new Packaging Ordinance

Once the formal EPR framework is introduced, thresholds and registration obligations are expected to be clarified by BAFU.

Authorized representative

There is no legal requirement to appoint an authorized representative for packaging EPR in Switzerland at this time.

However, non-Swiss companies often appoint a local compliance partner or authorized representative to:

• Manage recycling contributions

• Interface with Swiss recycling organizations

• Prepare for future EPR registration Switzerland requirements

This approach is considered best practice for foreign businesses operating cross-border.

Reporting Deadline

There are no statutory EPR reporting deadlines for packaging in Switzerland today.

Reporting obligations are currently:

• Managed through voluntary or material-specific schemes

• Embedded in contractual arrangements with recycling organizations

• Expected to evolve once the formal EPR packaging regime is implemented

Future reforms are expected to introduce standardized reporting cycles similar to EU models.

Who Assumes Responsibility

Responsibility for packaging waste management in Switzerland is shared among:

• Producers and importers, who finance recycling systems

• Retailers, who facilitate collection and consumer participation

• Municipal authorities, which operate local waste collection systems

Under the upcoming BAFU EPR packaging framework, responsibility is expected to shift more explicitly toward producers and importers.

Duties of Each Group

Producers and Importers

• Finance packaging waste recovery

• Participate in recognized recycling systems

• Prepare for future EPR registration Switzerland requirements

Retailers

• Support consumer access to recycling streams

• Ensure compliant handling of returned packaging

Recycling Organizations

• Organize collection and recycling operations

• Report recycling outcomes to authorities and contributors

Who Is Responsible

The entity placing packaged goods on the Swiss market is ultimately responsible for compliance, including:

• Manufacturers selling under their own brand

• Importers bringing packaged products into Switzerland

• Distance sellers targeting Swiss consumers

Failure to contribute to recycling systems may lead to enforcement under Swiss environmental protection laws.

Additional Information for Consideration

• Switzerland is expected to introduce mandatory EPR packaging Switzerland rules by 2026–2027

• Future obligations may include:

  • Central EPR registration

  • Standardized reporting

  • Eco-modulated fees

• Companies already compliant with EU EPR packaging systems will be better positioned for Swiss alignment

• The transition will significantly impact Switzerland packaging recycling cost structures and compliance strategies