The 10 EPR categories that matter for non-EU sellers
France operates the most extensive EPR system in the world with 19 total categories, but 10 are relevant for most non-EU sellers importing consumer products. Understanding which categories apply to your specific products is the first step toward compliance and directly determines your registration costs.
Every product sold to a French consumer triggers at least one EPR category: packaging. Most products trigger two or three categories simultaneously. A Bluetooth speaker with a rechargeable battery in a cardboard box triggers packaging, WEEE, and batteries: three separate registrations, three IDU numbers, three sets of eco-contributions.
EEE / DEEE (Electronics)
Covers all electrical and electronic equipment: anything that functions using electricity from mains, battery, or electromagnetic field. This includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones, LED lighting, kitchen appliances, power tools, robotic vacuums, gaming consoles, and IoT devices.
Managed by Ecosystem or Ecologic. Seven subcategories with different rate structures. Correct classification is critical because rate differences within the same main category can reach fivefold. A specialised mandataire verifies every product classification to avoid overpayment.
Key detail: the eco-participation can be displayed separately to the consumer on invoices and product pages, unique to this category in France.
Batteries and accumulators
Covers all products containing batteries: lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, NiMH, lead-acid, button cells. This is triggered in addition to DEEE when a product contains a battery.
Since 2025, Ecosystem absorbed Corepile, simplifying the landscape. Screlec continues as an alternative. Contributions are calculated per kilogram by battery chemistry. Products with easily removable batteries benefit from lower rates through the separability modulation.
Consumer packaging (EMPAP)
Covers all packaging that reaches the consumer: the product box, shipping carton, wrapping, inserts, and labels. This is mandatory for virtually every product. Managed by Citeo or Léko.
Contributions are calculated per kilogram per material type. Glass is cheapest at approximately 1.5 cents per kilogram. Cardboard is approximately 21 cents per kilogram. PET plastic is approximately 54 cents per kilogram. Simplified flat rate of 80 euros per year available for sellers placing fewer than 10,000 consumer units on the French market.
Professional packaging (EPRO) from July 2026
A new category covering B2B and industrial packaging: pallets, industrial stretch film, transport crates, bulk containers. Becomes operational July 1, 2026. Managed by Citeo Pro. If you ship products to French businesses in professional packaging, this category applies to you from July 2026.
Textiles (TLC)
Covers clothing, footwear, and household linen. Managed exclusively by Refashion. Average contribution of approximately 4 cents per piece. Critical warning: Refashion requires retroactive declarations for up to 4 years of past sales upon first registration. This can create a significant one-time catch-up payment.
Furniture (DEA)
Covers household and office furniture. Managed by Ecomaison or Valdelia. Contributions per unit or per kilogram depending on subcategory. Five eco-modulation criteria including recyclability and recycled content.
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Toys, Sport/DIY, Papers, Construction
Toys are managed by Ecomaison (Ecojouets). Sport, DIY, and garden articles are managed by Ecomaison and Ecologic. Graphic papers by Citeo or Léko. Construction materials (PMCB) by Valobat or Ecominéro.
How to determine your categories
Send us your product catalogue through the application form. We identify all applicable EPR categories within 24 hours, provide a precise cost estimate per category, and explain exactly which registrations you need. The assessment is included in the onboarding process at no additional charge.
The multi-category trap
The most expensive compliance mistake is incomplete registration. Registering for packaging only while ignoring product-specific categories. Amazon checks by category. Selling in Electronics without a DEEE IDU triggers a separate suspension notice even though your packaging IDU is valid.
A single product can require 4 simultaneous registrations. An electronic toy with rechargeable battery: packaging (Citeo) plus DEEE (Ecosystem) plus batteries (Ecosystem) plus toys (Ecomaison). Four setup fees, four monthly fees, four IDU numbers.
Cost optimisation across categories
Our mandataire service includes category optimisation. In multi-operator categories such as packaging, DEEE, furniture, and construction, we compare eco-organisation rates for your specific product profile and register with the most cost-effective one. Classification verification ensures each product is in the correct subcategory to avoid overpayment.
For example, the difference between DEEE category 5 (small household equipment) and category 6 (small IT/telecom) can be significant for borderline products. A kitchen scale with Bluetooth is category 5, not category 6. A portable speaker is category 6. These distinctions affect your eco-contributions directly.
Categories coming in 2026 to 2027
Professional packaging becomes operational July 2026, covering B2B packaging including pallets, industrial film, and bulk containers. New textile subcategories are under development. The chewing gum category remains uncertain pending parliamentary debate. We monitor all category developments and alert you proactively when new registrations are needed.
Complete the application form to receive your personalised category assessment within 24 hours.
Why category identification is the most important first step
Under-registration is the most common and costly mistake for non-EU sellers. Many register for packaging only because it is the most obvious category, but their products also trigger DEEE, battery, textile, or toy EPR. Each missing registration is an independent compliance violation with separate sanctions.
Over-registration wastes money. Registering for categories that do not apply to your products creates unnecessary setup and monthly costs. A seller of pure textile products does not need DEEE registration, even if some of their packaging contains a small plastic window.
Correct identification requires expertise in French EPR classification rules, which differ from other EU countries. Our mandataire service includes a free category assessment as part of the onboarding process. You receive a detailed report listing each applicable category, the specific eco-organisation recommended, and the estimated eco-contribution costs.
The packaging subcategories that matter
Within the packaging category alone, Citeo distinguishes dozens of material subcategories with different rates. PET clear bottles and containers have different rates from PET dark bottles. PE rigid packaging has a different rate from PE flexible packaging. Aluminium has a different rate from steel. Cardboard from virgin fibre has a different rate from recycled cardboard.
For non-EU sellers, this granularity matters because your packaging mix determines your total packaging eco-contribution. A seller using predominantly cardboard packaging pays significantly less per kilogram than one using PE flexible films. Knowing your packaging composition at the material level enables accurate cost forecasting and potential cost reduction through material substitution.
Our mandataire service analyses your packaging specifications as part of the registration process, ensuring accurate declarations from the start and identifying opportunities for material optimisation.
Get a Free Quote
Fill in your details and we'll get back to you within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by AuditREP.