Online Marketplaces now ‘Producers’ under UK WEEE Regulations, as well as pEPR
Implemented as part of Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) in 2024 and now introduced as part of the WEEE regulations on 12th August 2025, Online Marketplaces are now considered a ‘producer’ under the waste regulations in the UK.
As of 12th August 2025, Online Marketplaces (OMPs) are officially considered “producers” under the UK WEEE regulations, even if they don’t physically manufacture the products they sell. This follows the implementation of UK Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) in 2024 and mirrors similar rules already in place in Germany and France, where OMP obligations were first introduced.
Therefore, OMP themselves will now be held accountable for ensuring compliance, marking a major shift in the regulation of online consumer goods in the UK.
An OMP is a digital platform that connects multiple third-party sellers with a broad customer base. These platforms are now responsible for verifying that all listed products meet EPR requirements, a shift that is reshaping how e-commerce operates in the UK.
UK Packaging EPR
Online Marketplace Definition: A website or mobile application which facilitates the sale or other supply of goods by a non-UK supplier and is received in the UK, including unfilled packaging supplied to a business other than a large producer which is a brand owner, packer/filler or first UK owner or will become the obligation of a large producer there described.
An OMP can be obligated under packaging EPR if:
- It facilitates sales of packaged goods into the UK market, particularly from overseas sellers who don’t have a UK legal entity.
- It acts as the de facto importer or producer in the eyes of the regulator, especially when:
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- The seller is non-UK and not registered for EPR.
- The OMP handles fulfilment/logistics.
- It has control over product listings, packaging, or shipping.
The obligation of OMP under packaging EPR is expected to create knock-on effects throughout the supply chain, with OMPs seeking to reduce costs by pressuring non-UK manufacturers to modify their packaging and improve recyclability.
WEEE Regulations
Online Marketplace Definition: A website or mobile application which facilitates the sale or other supply of goods by a non-UK supplier to private households in the UK.
An OMP can be obligated under WEEE if:
If they facilitate the sale of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) from non-UK based suppliers to UK private households.
Partner with Beyondly to fulfil your obligation as an Online Marketplace
Beyondly supports producers obligated as OMP to meet their environmental responsibilities both in the UK and overseas. With experience drawn from markets where OMP obligations first emerged, such as France and Germany, Beyondly helps businesses navigate evolving regulatory landscapes with confidence.
Our expert team provides the insight, structure, and ongoing support needed to ensure compliance, streamline data management, and future-proof your operations as international and UK requirements continue to develop.
