The implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme under the revised Urban Wastewater

Discussions on the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme under the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) continue in the EU Parliament, following a Motion for a Resolution submitted by the ESN group. This Resolution demands that the EU Commission remove any EPR Scheme obligations from the revised UWWTD and seeks to downplay the central importance of water in EU policymaking.

This Motion for Resolution follows  a Question for Oral Answer to the EU Commission submitted by the EPP Group in March, on the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and risks to the security of supply of medicines. It was foreseen to be debated during the May Plenary Session, having been postponed to the June Plenary Session.

The European Commission will open a call for evidence for an Implementing Decision on the exemptions from extended producer responsibility concerning urban wastewater treatment. This aims at supporting Member-Sates to assess requests where producers can demonstrate that the substances in their products either biodegrade rapidly in wastewater or do not generate micropollutants at the end of their life. The Implementing Decision is foreseen for adoption in Q4 2027.

Following entry into force of the recast UWWTD on 1 January 2025, Member States are required to transpose the Directive into national law by 31 July 2027, and EPR obligations will take effect in national scheme implementations by 31 December 2028. The CJUE has confirmed previously the legal validity of the UWWTD’s EPR scheme, in a case dismissing the action brought by the EFPIA against key provisions of the recast UWWTD, including the EPR.