Starting August 18, 2025, Amazon will begin enforcing new EU rules for products that contain or are powered by batteries. If you're selling in the EU, now is the time to prepare — or risk having your listings removed.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy that holds businesses accountable for the entire lifecycle of the products they sell — including what happens after customers are done using them.
EPR shifts the burden of waste management from governments to producers, including:
- Manufacturers
- Importers and distributors
- Marketplace sellers (including those based outside the EU)
Under EPR, businesses are required to:
- Register with local environmental authorities in each EU country where they sell
- Report the volume of products sold (categorized by type, such as batteries, electronics, or packaging)
- Pay environmental handling or recycling fees
The goal is to promote sustainable product design and ensure that waste is properly managed at the end of a product's life.
Does This Apply to You?
If you sell any battery-powered or battery-containing products in the EU — whether you're a manufacturer, importer, or third-party Amazon seller — you’re likely considered a “producer” under EU EPR laws.
This includes:
- Standalone batteries (e.g., AA, AAA)
- Rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion, NiMH)
- Batteries built into devices (e.g., toys, electronics, tools)
- Automotive and e-mobility batteries
Even if you’re a non-EU seller shipping directly to customers in Europe, you’re still responsible for compliance.
Which Amazon Marketplaces Are Affected?
Amazon will begin enforcing these rules across the following European marketplaces starting August 18, 2025:
- Germany (Amazon.de)
- France (Amazon.fr)
- Italy (Amazon.it)
- Netherlands (Amazon.nl)
- Spain (Amazon.es)
- Poland (Amazon.pl)
- Sweden (Amazon.se)
- Belgium (Amazon.be)
Sellers must upload a valid EPR registration number for each country where they list battery-related products. A centralized Amazon Compliance Portal is available to manage submissions.
Additional Product Compliance Requirements
Beyond EPR registration, battery-related products must also meet EU product safety and labeling standards:
- CE Marking is mandatory to confirm compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Non-EU sellers must appoint an Authorized Representative (also known as a “Responsible Person”) within the EU to act on their behalf.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in:
- Customs delays or product seizures
- Fines and legal penalties
- Removal of listings from Amazon platforms
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Amazon has made it clear: non-compliant listings will face consequences. These may include:
- Deactivation of affected products
- Suspension of selling privileges in one or more EU countries
- Automatic enrollment into Amazon’s “Pay on Behalf” service in France and Spain — where Amazon files EPR reports for you (for a fee)
In addition, local regulators may impose:
- Financial penalties
- Confiscation or return of goods at customs
- Legal action for missing CE marks or failing to appoint a Responsible Person
How Linktrans Can Help
As an Amazon logistics service provider, Linktrans can help you ship your goods from China to the UK. Whether you are expanding into the European market or adapting to new regulations, our compliance experts will ensure that the process runs smoothly and worry-free.
20 Aug, 2025
