Net Zero Compare
Greece Law 4496/2017 (EPR Reform – Packaging, WEEE & Batteries)

Greece Law 4496/2017 (EPR Reform – Packaging, WEEE & Batteries): Producer Obligations in Greece: Key Rules Under Law 4496/2017

Maílis Carrilho
Written by Maílis Carrilho
Updated on December 8th, 2025

Summary

Greece’s Law 4496/2017 strengthens the national EPR framework for packaging, WEEE, batteries, tires, and other products. Producers must register, declare product quantities, and pay eco-modulated fees through approved schemes. Enforcement targets free riders and under-reporting. EPR systems face governance and performance requirements. The law is central to Greece’s circular economy and waste-management policies.

Details

Jurisdictions
  • Greece
Exemptions

Binding for all producers placing regulated products on the Greek market.

They must:

Register in the national EPR Registry.

Declare annually all quantities of products and packaging placed on the market.

Pay eco-modulated fees to approved EPR systems.

Label products and provide consumer information where relevant.

Ensure take-back and treatment of returned or end-of-life products.

Collective EPR schemes must:

Meet recovery and recycling targets.

Maintain transparent financial operations.

Publish annual performance reports.

Exceptions:

Small producers may follow simplified registration and reporting rules.

Export-only products do not incur domestic EPR fees.

Deep dive

2 min read
Updated Dec 8, 2025

📩 Stay ahead of climate regulation and reporting shifts

Regulatory updates, reporting standards, and new climate software — distilled into one concise weekly brief for decision-makers.

Thanks for signing up. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

Practical updates. Once per week.


What’s Required

Law 4496/2017 updates Greece’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for product categories such as packaging, electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), batteries, end-of-life vehicles, lubricants, tires, and others.

It introduces:

  • Stricter registration, reporting, and fee-payment rules for producers.

  • Requirements for EPR schemes (collective systems) to operate under transparency, governance, and performance standards.

  • Eco-modulated fees based on recyclability, hazardous content, and material characteristics.

  • Obligations for producers to participate in approved schemes or establish individual schemes under defined conditions.

  • Provisions addressing free riders, online sellers, and undeclared product quantities.

Important Deadlines

  • In force since 2017, with performance targets aligned to EU directives for 2020–2025–2030.

  • Continuous updates through ministerial decisions, adapting national EPR rules to new EU requirements.

Current Status

Law 4496/2017 remains the backbone of Greece’s EPR regime. Enforcement has expanded significantly, including inspections of online sellers, retailers, and importers. Digitalisation of producer registries and data checks is ongoing.

Penalties

  • Significant administrative fines for non-registration, under-reporting or non-payment of EPR fees.

  • Product withdrawal orders for serious violations.

  • Penalties for EPR schemes that fail to meet governance or recycling performance standards.

Examples of Known Violations

  • Numerous cases of undeclared packaging volumes.

  • Non-compliant online sellers are failing to register or pay fees.

  • Sanctions against EPR schemes for incomplete reporting or weak governance.

Resources


Maílis Carrilho
Added by:
Maílis Carrilho
Sustainability Research Analyst
Maílis Carrilho is a Sustainability Research Analyst (Intern) at Net Zero Compare, contributing research and analysis on climate tech, carbon policies, and sustainable solutions. She supports the team in developing fact-based content and insights to help companies and readers navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
Our principle

Cut through the green tape

We don't push agendas. At Net Zero Compare, we cut through the hype and fear to deliver the straightforward facts you need for making informed decisions on green products and services. Whether motivated by compliance, customer demands, or a real passion for the environment, you’re welcome here. We provide reliable information. Why you seek it is not our concern.

Added on Dec 12, 2025 by Maílis Carrilho · Updated on Dec 8, 2025