Austria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is governed by the Packaging Ordinance 2014, effective from 1 January 2023, and applies to all packaging types placed on the Austrian market. Producers are legally required to enter a Compliance and License Agreement with Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA), the officially recognized system operator. They must submit data on the amount of packaging and single-use plastic products placed on the market, as well as pay the appropriate recycling fees. Reporting frequency depends on the company’s projected annual fees, and all monthly and quarterly reporters must submit a year-end statement. Annual reporters are exempt from this.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Austria EPR Regulations for Manufacturers, Importers and Ecommerce

Austria’s EPR applies to domestic producers, importers, fillers, and distance sellers. Foreign distance sellers targeting Austrian end-users must appoint an Authorized Representative. All entities must ensure packaging compliance either directly or through their contractual partners. Regulations also specify obligations based on packaging type and distribution model, making it mandatory for all participants in the supply chain to ensure packaging compliance.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Covered and Exempted Packaging under Austria EPR

All types of packaging — including household and commercial — as well as single-use plastic products and fishing gear are subject to Austria’s EPR regulations. Exemptions include packaging contaminated with hazardous waste, packaging taken back and reused, exported packaging, or packaging whose compliance is ensured by another party in the supply chain. To claim exemption, license partners must submit conclusive evidence as required by ARA.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Who Must Register under Austria EPR

Entities required to register include:

• Producers and importers of service packaging
• Packaging fillers based in Austria
• Importers of packaged goods (including for own use)
• Distance sellers not based in Austria

Foreign sellers must appoint an Authorized Representative to fulfill Austrian obligations.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Austria EPR Data Reporting

Producers must report packaging type, material, and quantity, broken down by household vs commercial packaging. Separate reporting is required for single-use plastics and fishing gear. Depending on the license partner’s projected fees, data must be submitted:

• Annually (if fees < €1,500)
• Quarterly (€1,500–€20,000)
• Monthly (if fees > €20,000)

Reports are submitted via the ARA online portal, including legally binding compliance declarations.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Austria EPR Schedule and Deadlines

Key deadlines for reporting and payments include:

• Monthly/Quarterly data: submit by 15th of the following month/quarter
• Year-end statements: by 15 March of the next year
• Annual data: by 15 January of the next year
• Payment due: 15th of the second month after reporting

Single-use plastic product and fishing gear data are due by 15 March; payments due by 15 April.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Austria EPR Fees and Penalties

Fees are based on type, weight, and volume of packaging placed on the market. Small producers (≤ 1,500 kg packaging annually) may opt for an annual flat fee. ARA invoices according to the packaging volumes declared. Failure to report or pay on time can result in non-compliance penalties and legal consequences under Austrian waste law.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Common EPR Compliance Challenges In Austria

Businesses commonly face difficulties in:

• Classifying packaging types accurately
• Distinguishing between household and commercial packaging
• Providing valid exemption documentation
• Complying with variable reporting deadlines
• Navigating the ARA portal and agreement process

Partnering with a compliance expert ensures accuracy and reduces risk of non-compliance.

Get access to our comprehensive EPR guide for Austria

Why choose RegSurance as your Austria EPR Compliance Partner

RegSurance is a trusted EPR compliance service provider for international businesses needing to comply with Netherlands packaging EPR rules. We support manufacturers, importers, and e-commerce sellers with complete EPR solutions — including EPR registration, packaging compliance assessments, ongoing regulatory updates, and accurate EPR data reporting for Netherlands. With our in-depth knowledge of Austria EPR requirements, we ensure your business stays fully compliant and up to date with changing legislation.

Get expert help with EPR registration for Austria with compliance assessment and data reporting

• Get a free EPR compliance Assessment
• Receive a personalized registration roadmap
• Book a 1:1 consultation with our experts
• Register or Sign-in for our comprehensive EPR Compliance Guide