Compliance with the EU Battery Directive's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements has become a critical consideration for cross-border e-commerce sellers. Recently, many sellers have obtained their EU Battery EPR registration numbers, raising questions about how to efficiently and accurately upload these numbers to Amazon to avoid product delisting or potential fines. This guide provides detailed instructions for sellers to complete this compliance process.
The Importance of EU Battery Directive EPR Compliance
The EU Battery Directive regulates the production, sale, recycling, and disposal of batteries to minimize their environmental impact. At its core is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, which holds producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products after disposal. For Amazon sellers offering batteries or battery-containing products in the EU market, registering and uploading EPR numbers is mandatory.
Failure to comply with EPR obligations may result in product removal, account restrictions, or legal consequences. Therefore, understanding and implementing the compliance process is essential.
Steps for Re-uploading Battery EPR Registration Numbers
For sellers who need to update their existing Battery EPR registration numbers, here are two methods for the German market:
Method 1: Via the Compliance Portal
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central and navigate to Performance > Account Health > Policy Compliance > Compliance Portal.
- Locate "EPR: Germany Batteries" under the Archived section and click "View or Update."
- Click "Submit Replacement" under the green "Approved" box.
- Enter the new registration number in the "Registration Number" field, verify its accuracy, and click "Save."
Method 2: Via Manage Your Compliance
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central and navigate to Performance > Account Health > Manage Your Compliance > Submit Compliance Information.
- Select "Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)."
- Click "Submit Replacement" under the green "Approved" box.
- Enter the new registration number and click "Save."
Steps for First-Time Upload of Battery EPR Registration Numbers
For sellers uploading their Battery EPR numbers for the first time, the process varies slightly by country:
Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Netherlands
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central and navigate to Performance > Account Health > Policy Compliance > Compliance Portal.
- Find "EPR: [Country] Batteries" under the Unresolved section and click "Submit."
- Enter the registration number and click "Save."
- Wait 3-5 business days for verification. If rejected, review the reason and take corrective action.
Spain, Italy, and Belgium
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central and navigate to Performance > Account Health > Policy Compliance > Compliance Portal.
- Find "EPR: [Country] Batteries" under the Unresolved section and click "Submit."
- Enter the registration number and click "Save."
- Wait 3-5 business days for verification.
France
- Access the compliance portal via the designated link in Seller Central.
- Select France and the battery category, then submit the EPR number.
- Wait 3-5 business days for verification.
Key Considerations
- Producer Status: Chinese producers should not check the "If you are not the manufacturer..." box when submitting.
- Netherlands EPR: Sellers without a KVK number can verify using their company name, which must match the registration records.
- Belgium EPR: Sellers without a tax number can verify using their company name.
- Information Verification: Ensure your registration details are publicly available on the relevant government or Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) website before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my submission rejected?
Common reasons include:
- Information Mismatch: Ensure your Amazon account details match your EPR registration exactly.
- Incorrect Registration Number: Double-check the number for accuracy.
- Unavailable Registration Information: Confirm your details are publicly accessible on the relevant PRO or government website.
What if my information matches but verification fails?
If discrepancies are minor (e.g., language variations), submit a support ticket with:
- Seller ID
- Explanation of the issue
- Supporting documents (company name, address, tax certificate, etc.)
Conclusion
EPR compliance under the EU Battery Directive is mandatory for Amazon sellers operating in Europe. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for uploading registration numbers across different countries and addresses common issues. Sellers should stay informed about regulatory updates and consult professional compliance services when needed.