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objavljeno:
23. September 2024.
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The 5 Cornerstones of EPR in Croatia: A Guide for Businesses

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Croatia, helping businesses understand their obligations and navigate the system.

1. Evolving Framework: Recent Changes to EPR Legislation in Croatia

Croatia recently implemented significant updates to its EPR regulations for packaging, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), batteries, and other products. These changes, effective November 2023, aim to align Croatia with EU standards and promote sustainable waste management.

Key Changes:

  • Packaging Regulations:
    • Fully implements EU Packaging and Single-Use Plastics Directives.
    • Defines new producer responsibilities, including web platforms.
    • Requires foreign companies to appoint authorized representatives.
    • Introduces a mandatory deposit system for single-use beverage packaging.
    • Establishes new rules for deposit labels.
    • Mandates financing for anti-littering measures, prohibits lightweight plastic bags, and promotes beverage cup consumption reduction.
  • Regulation on Special Waste Management:
    • Maintains most existing EPR requirements for WEEE and batteries.
    • Requires producers of automotive and industrial batteries to cover full end-of-life financing.
    • Imposes EPR obligations on web platforms.

2. Understanding EPR Policy: Shifting Responsibility and Design Incentives

The OECD defines EPR policies as those that:

  • Shift Responsibility Upstream: Producers, not municipalities, take on the financial and logistical burden of waste management for their products.
  • Incentivize Sustainable Design: Producers are encouraged to consider environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle, promoting eco-design and resource efficiency.

3. Targeted Products: Prioritizing Waste Streams

While EPR can apply to any product, Croatia focuses on three core categories:

  • WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment): High volume and often contain toxic components.
  • Packaging: Significantly contributes to waste streams.
  • Batteries: Contain hazardous materials and require specialized handling.

These categories pose environmental risks when improperly disposed of.

4. Who Needs to Comply? Identifying EPR Producers

Any business that manufactures, imports, sells, or brand-owns products or packaging covered by EPR regulations can be considered a producer. Companies meeting any of these criteria must review EPR legislation in every country they operate in to ensure compliance. Additionally, some countries may have thresholds, such as minimum turnover or product quantities, that determine if a business is subject to EPR obligations.

5. Navigating Compliance with Interzero

Interzero, a global waste management and recycling leader, offers expertise in EPR compliance across Europe. With over 30 years of experience and an international team, we can help your business understand its EPR obligations in Croatia.

Additionally, Interzero provides:

  • An online portal to easily manage your EPR compliance in Croatia (https://epr.interzero.hr).
  • Assistance in simplifying and digitizing the compliance process.

By partnering with Interzero, businesses can ensure compliance and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Do you have additional questions?

Have you come across any irregularities in the text?

Contact us at info@oro.hr!