{ "schema": "instica-epr-page/1", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe", "twins": { "md": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe.md", "json": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe.json" }, "key": "E:US-CA", "family": "E", "locale": "en", "lang": "en-US", "title": "Do I owe EPR fees California | Instica", "h1": "Do I owe EPR fees California", "description": "Under the rules we hold, California has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "answer": "Under the rules we hold, California has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor. The size limit on record is $1,000,000, so small producers may fall below it. The answer depends first on whose brand is on the packaging.", "lastVerified": "2026-09-29", "dateModified": "2026-09-29", "dataset": { "version": "v1-281284b7e7c1", "licence": "CC-BY-4.0", "licenceLine": "Reuse is allowed under CC-BY-4.0 with credit to Instica and a link to this page." }, "cite": "Instica, “Do I owe EPR fees California”, https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe, last verified 2026-09-29, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.", "about": [ { "name": "California" } ], "facts": [ { "id": "obligated", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#obligated", "leafPath": "US-CA.obligated", "statement": "California: a packaging EPR obligation applies.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42051", "quote": "a producer shall not sell, offer for sale, import, or distribute covered materials in the state unless the producer is approved to participate", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "level-other", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#level-other", "leafPath": "US-CA.producer_hierarchy.levels.other", "statement": "California: for other packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "value": "manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "level-primary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#level-primary", "leafPath": "US-CA.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary", "statement": "California: for primary (sales) packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "value": "manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "level-secondary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#level-secondary", "leafPath": "US-CA.producer_hierarchy.levels.secondary", "statement": "California: for secondary packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "value": "manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "level-service", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#level-service", "leafPath": "US-CA.producer_hierarchy.levels.service", "statement": "California: for service packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "value": "manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "level-shipping", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#level-shipping", "leafPath": "US-CA.producer_hierarchy.levels.shipping", "statement": "California: for shipping packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "value": "manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "level-tertiary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#level-tertiary", "leafPath": "US-CA.producer_hierarchy.levels.tertiary", "statement": "California: for tertiary (transport) packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.", "value": "manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "revenue-basis", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#revenue-basis", "leafPath": "US-CA.revenue_scope.basis", "statement": "California: the revenue test, where one applies, counts revenue earned in the jurisdiction.", "value": "in_jurisdiction", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/138910", "quote": "Enter the amount of total gross annual sales (U.S. dollar) in California, as found on the most recent calendar year's tax returns.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "revenue-period", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#revenue-period", "leafPath": "US-CA.revenue_scope.period", "statement": "California: revenue is measured over the calendar year.", "value": "calendar_year", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/138910", "quote": "Enter the amount of total gross annual sales (U.S. dollar) in California, as found on the most recent calendar year's tax returns.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "revenue-currency", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#revenue-currency", "leafPath": "US-CA.revenue_scope.currency", "statement": "California: revenue limits are stated in USD.", "value": "USD", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/138910", "quote": "Enter the amount of total gross annual sales (U.S. dollar) in California, as found on the most recent calendar year's tax returns.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "leafPath": "US-CA.thresholds[small_producer_gross_annual_sales]", "statement": "California: the revenue limit is $1,000,000.", "value": 1000000, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-effect", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-effect", "leafPath": "US-CA.thresholds[small_producer_gross_annual_sales].effect", "statement": "California: at the revenue limit of $1,000,000, the producer is exempt below it.", "value": "exempt_below", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-logic", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-logic", "leafPath": "US-CA.thresholds[small_producer_gross_annual_sales].logic", "statement": "California: the revenue limit of $1,000,000 applies to figures below it.", "value": "lt", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-basis", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-basis", "leafPath": "US-CA.thresholds[small_producer_gross_annual_sales].basis", "statement": "California: the revenue limit is counted as follows: gross annual sales in California, most recent calendar year.", "value": "gross annual sales in California, most recent calendar year", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-small_producer", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-small_producer", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[small_producer]", "statement": "Exemption 1: Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032.", "value": "small_producer", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-small_producer-apply", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-small_producer-apply", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[small_producer].must_apply_for", "statement": "California: exemption 1 must be applied for.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-small_producer-window", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-small_producer-window", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[small_producer].application_window", "statement": "California: the application window for exemption 1 is: Register in PEPRS as a Packaging EPR producer, then file the small producer exemption application.", "value": "Register in PEPRS as a Packaging EPR producer, then file the small producer exemption application.", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-small_producer-renewal", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-small_producer-renewal", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[small_producer].renewal", "statement": "California: exemption 1 is renewed as follows: renewable (interval not stated on the page).", "value": "renewable (interval not stated on the page)", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-agricultural_commodity_on_site", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-agricultural_commodity_on_site", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[agricultural_commodity_on_site]", "statement": "Exemption 2: A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer.", "value": "agricultural_commodity_on_site", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "“Producer” does not include a person who produces, harvests, and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where the agricultural commodity was grown or raised.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-agricultural_commodity_on_site-apply", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-agricultural_commodity_on_site-apply", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[agricultural_commodity_on_site].must_apply_for", "statement": "California: exemption 2 applies without an application.", "value": false, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "“Producer” does not include a person who produces, harvests, and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where the agricultural commodity was grown or raised.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-crv_beverage_containers", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-crv_beverage_containers", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[crv_beverage_containers]", "statement": "Exemption 3: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material.", "value": "crv_beverage_containers", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/131538", "quote": "Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Division 12.1 (commencing with Section 14500)).", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-crv_beverage_containers-apply", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-crv_beverage_containers-apply", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[crv_beverage_containers].must_apply_for", "statement": "California: exemption 3 applies without an application.", "value": false, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/131538", "quote": "Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Division 12.1 (commencing with Section 14500)).", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-high_recycling_rate_material", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[high_recycling_rate_material]", "statement": "Exemption 4: Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration.", "value": "high_recycling_rate_material", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-apply", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-apply", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[high_recycling_rate_material].must_apply_for", "statement": "California: exemption 4 must be applied for.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-window", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-window", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[high_recycling_rate_material].application_window", "statement": "California: the application window for exemption 4 is: annual demonstration to CalRecycle until 2027, every two years after.", "value": "annual demonstration to CalRecycle until 2027, every two years after", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-renewal", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-renewal", "leafPath": "US-CA.exemptions[high_recycling_rate_material].renewal", "statement": "California: exemption 4 is renewed as follows: see description.", "value": "see description", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "transfer-allowed", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#transfer-allowed", "leafPath": "US-CA.transfer_rules.allowed", "statement": "California: a producer may not pass the duty to another party.", "value": false, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "The owner or operator of the online marketplace shall not be considered the retailer or wholesaler for such sales.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "case-rev_below_small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#case-rev_below_small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-CA:rev-below:small_producer_gross_annual_sales]", "statement": "California: for case 1 (Revenue of $500,000: below the limit) the engine's result is below threshold.", "value": "below_threshold", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "case-rev_at_small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#case-rev_at_small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-CA:rev-at:small_producer_gross_annual_sales]", "statement": "California: for case 2 (Revenue of $1,000,000: exactly at the limit) the engine's result is obligated.", "value": "obligated", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "case-rev_above_small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#case-rev_above_small_producer_gross_annual_sales", "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-CA:rev-above:small_producer_gross_annual_sales]", "statement": "California: for case 3 (Revenue of $2,000,000: above the limit) the engine's result is obligated.", "value": "obligated", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "case-all_above", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#case-all_above", "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-CA:all-above]", "statement": "California: for case 4 (Above every limit) the engine's result is obligated.", "value": "obligated", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "registration-registry", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#registration-registry", "leafPath": "US-CA.registration.registry", "statement": "California: registration is made with PEPRS (CalRecycle Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System).", "value": "PEPRS (CalRecycle Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System)", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance manages registration, reporting, and submissions of certain exemptions and exclusions on the producers’ behalf.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "registration-who", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#registration-who", "leafPath": "US-CA.registration.who_registers", "statement": "California: registration is made by this party: The producer, or Circular Action Alliance on behalf of participants.", "value": "The producer, or Circular Action Alliance on behalf of participants", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance manages registration, reporting, and submissions of certain exemptions and exclusions on the producers’ behalf.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "organisation-model", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#organisation-model", "leafPath": "US-CA.organisation.model", "statement": "California: producers meet the duty through a single producer responsibility organisation.", "value": "single_pro", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "organisation-names", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#organisation-names", "leafPath": "US-CA.organisation.names", "statement": "California: the organisations on record are Circular Action Alliance.", "value": "Circular Action Alliance", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "organisation-membership", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#organisation-membership", "leafPath": "US-CA.organisation.membership_required", "statement": "California: membership of an organisation is required.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "organisation-ar", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#organisation-ar", "leafPath": "US-CA.organisation.authorised_representative.required", "statement": "California: an authorised representative is not required.", "value": false, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "deadline-join_pro_or_be_approved", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#deadline-join_pro_or_be_approved", "leafPath": "US-CA.deadlines[join_pro_or_be_approved]", "statement": "California: the registration deadline is January 1, 2027.", "value": "2027-01-01", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42051", "quote": "upon approval of a plan pursuant to Section 42063, or commencing January 1, 2027, whichever is sooner", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "deadline-cmc_list_update", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe#deadline-cmc_list_update", "leafPath": "US-CA.deadlines[cmc_list_update]", "statement": "California: the material-category update deadline is January 1, 2027.", "value": "2027-01-01", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "quote": "This updated information will inform the next update to the Covered Material Categories List, which will be published by January 1, 2027.", "quoteLang": "en", "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } } ], "sections": [ { "id": "answer", "heading": null, "kind": "answer", "markdown": "\n\nUnder the rules we hold, California has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor. The size limit on record is $1,000,000, so small producers may fall below it. The answer depends first on whose brand is on the packaging." }, { "id": "tool", "heading": "Check your own case", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Check your own case\n\nChoose your role, add your revenue and the packaging you supply, and the checker applies the rules this page describes to your figures. It runs in your browser and stores nothing.\n\nInteractive tool: Do-I-owe checker (works on the web page)\n\nThe Instica free plan covers the threshold check, exemption tracking, the deadline calendar, packaging templates and fee sources, so you can start without paying. [See what the free plan includes](https://app.instica.com/epr/free-plan)" }, { "id": "how", "heading": "How the checker reaches a result", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## How the checker reaches a result\n\nThe checker asks the same questions in the same order for every place, and it stops with a result as soon as a question settles the matter. It never fills a missing answer in for you.\n\n1. Whose brand is on the packaging? If it is another company's brand, you are not the producer for those goods under the roles recorded for California. If you have not said, the checker asks first.\n2. Do you sell into California? A place where you report no sales returns not obligated.\n3. Does a size limit apply? The checker compares your revenue or packaging weight with each limit on record and, where a limit is not met, returns below threshold.\n4. Is an exemption on record for your case? An exemption that is not yet verified is never assumed, and the checker asks for more data instead.\n5. Are related companies counted together? Where the rules add up affiliated companies, their figures are combined before the limits are compared." }, { "id": "producer", "heading": "Who is the producer in California?", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Who is the producer in California?\n\nThe first question is whose duty it is. California assigns the duty by packaging level, and the table shows which roles count as the producer at each level.\n\n**Producer by packaging level in California**\n\n| Packaging level | Producer |\n| --- | --- |\n| other packaging | [manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor](#level-other) |\n| primary (sales) packaging | [manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor](#level-primary) |\n| secondary packaging | [manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor](#level-secondary) |\n| service packaging | [manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor](#level-service) |\n| shipping packaging | [manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor](#level-shipping) |\n| tertiary (transport) packaging | [manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor](#level-tertiary) |\n\n- [California: for other packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.](#level-other)\n- [California: for primary (sales) packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.](#level-primary)\n- [California: for secondary packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.](#level-secondary)\n- [California: for service packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.](#level-service)\n- [California: for shipping packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.](#level-shipping)\n- [California: for tertiary (transport) packaging the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor.](#level-tertiary)\n\nFind the row that describes you. Where more than one role appears in a row, the checker asks whose brand is on the product before it gives a result." }, { "id": "revenue", "heading": "Does revenue matter in California?", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Does revenue matter in California?\n\n[Where a revenue limit applies, California counts revenue earned in the jurisdiction.](#revenue-basis) [The revenue figure is taken over the calendar year.](#revenue-period) [Limits are stated in USD; a figure in another currency is converted with a published rate before it is compared.](#revenue-currency)\n\n> **Not yet published**: how affiliated companies are counted: not yet published. Reason: The CalRecycle page does not say whether affiliate sales aggregate toward the $1 million limit. The definition sits in 14 CCR 18980.5.2, which was not read verbatim." }, { "id": "thresholds", "heading": "Size limits in California", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Size limits in California\n\nSome rules switch the duty on or off by size. These are the limits on record for California, each with what happens when you meet it.\n\n#### The revenue limit: $1,000,000\n\n[California: the revenue limit is $1,000,000.](#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales) [California: at the revenue limit of $1,000,000, the producer is exempt below it.](#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-effect) [California: the revenue limit of $1,000,000 applies to figures below it.](#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-logic) [California: the revenue limit is counted as follows: gross annual sales in California, most recent calendar year.](#threshold-small_producer_gross_annual_sales-basis)\n\n> Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.\n>\n> Source: calrecycle.ca.gov: exemptionsexclusions (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Language: en\n\nParaphrase: The source sets the revenue limit at $1,000,000." }, { "id": "exemptions", "heading": "Exemptions in California", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Exemptions in California\n\nAn exemption removes the duty for a producer that meets its conditions. Some must be applied for; others apply on their own.\n\n#### Exemption 1\n\n[Exemption 1: Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032.](#exemption-small_producer) [California: exemption 1 must be applied for.](#exemption-small_producer-apply) [California: the application window for exemption 1 is: Register in PEPRS as a Packaging EPR producer, then file the small producer exemption application.](#exemption-small_producer-window) [California: exemption 1 is renewed as follows: renewable (interval not stated on the page).](#exemption-small_producer-renewal)\n\n#### Exemption 2\n\n[Exemption 2: A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer.](#exemption-agricultural_commodity_on_site) [California: exemption 2 applies without an application.](#exemption-agricultural_commodity_on_site-apply)\n\n#### Exemption 3\n\n[Exemption 3: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material.](#exemption-crv_beverage_containers) [California: exemption 3 applies without an application.](#exemption-crv_beverage_containers-apply)\n\n#### Exemption 4\n\n[Exemption 4: Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration.](#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material) [California: exemption 4 must be applied for.](#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-apply) [California: the application window for exemption 4 is: annual demonstration to CalRecycle until 2027, every two years after.](#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-window) [California: exemption 4 is renewed as follows: see description.](#exemption-high_recycling_rate_material-renewal)" }, { "id": "scope", "heading": "What the rules cover in California", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## What the rules cover in California\n\nA duty applies only to the packaging and the sales channels that the rules cover. This is what is on record for California.\n\n[California: a producer may not pass the duty to another party.](#transfer-allowed)" }, { "id": "cases", "heading": "Every case, worked through", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Every case, worked through\n\nBelow, the same engine that powers the checker is run on a set of standard cases for California. Each case states the input, the result and the next step. The figures are test inputs set at half, equal to and twice each recorded limit, read as of September 29, 2026; they are not rules.\n\n#### Revenue of $500,000: below the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and your revenue is $500,000, half the limit of $1,000,000. The figure is under the $1,000,000 limit, so the engine returns below threshold: the exemption on record applies. [Result: below threshold.](#case-rev_below_small_producer_gross_annual_sales) Next: keep the figures that put you below the limit, and check again as you grow.\n\n#### Revenue of $1,000,000: exactly at the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and your revenue is $1,000,000, exactly the limit of $1,000,000. The limit is met, so the engine returns obligated. [Result: obligated.](#case-rev_at_small_producer_gross_annual_sales) Next: register, report and pay as the sections below describe, and prepare your figures in a workspace.\n\n#### Revenue of $2,000,000: above the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and your revenue is $2,000,000, twice the limit of $1,000,000. The limit is met, so the engine returns obligated. [Result: obligated.](#case-rev_above_small_producer_gross_annual_sales) Next: register, report and pay as the sections below describe, and prepare your figures in a workspace.\n\n#### Above every limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and every figure is above every limit on record. The limit is met, so the engine returns obligated. [Result: obligated.](#case-all_above) Next: register, report and pay as the sections below describe, and prepare your figures in a workspace." }, { "id": "after", "heading": "If you owe: what happens next", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## If you owe: what happens next\n\nIf the result is obligated, these are the steps on record for California. You register, report and pay yourself; Instica prepares the figures and the files.\n\n[California: registration is made with PEPRS (CalRecycle Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System).](#registration-registry) [California: registration is made by this party: The producer, or Circular Action Alliance on behalf of participants.](#registration-who)\n\n[California: producers meet the duty through a single producer responsibility organisation.](#organisation-model) [California: the organisations on record are Circular Action Alliance.](#organisation-names) [California: membership of an organisation is required.](#organisation-membership) [California: an authorised representative is not required.](#organisation-ar)\n\n#### Deadlines on record\n\n- [California: the registration deadline is January 1, 2027.](#deadline-join_pro_or_be_approved)\n- [California: the material-category update deadline is January 1, 2027.](#deadline-cmc_list_update)" }, { "id": "faq", "heading": "Frequently asked questions", "kind": "faq", "markdown": "\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### Do I owe packaging EPR in California?\n\nUnder the rules we hold, California has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor. The size limit on record is $1,000,000, so small producers may fall below it. The answer depends first on whose brand is on the packaging.\n\n### Who is the producer in California?\n\nAt the primary packaging level the producer is the manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, or first distributor. The table above lists the other levels.\n\n### Is there a size limit in California?\n\nYes. The limit on record is $1,000,000; below it the rules treat you differently, as the cases above show.\n\n### Do I have to join a producer responsibility organisation in California?\n\nMembership of an organisation is required. The organisations on record: Circular Action Alliance.\n\n### Will Instica register or file for me in California?\n\nNo. Instica measures, estimates and prepares your figures and files. You register, sign and submit each filing yourself, and Instica never stores portal credentials.\n\n### Is this legal advice?\n\nNo. This page is information about published rules and an estimate from them, not legal advice. Check the sources named beside each figure before you act." }, { "id": "estimate", "heading": "How to read these figures", "kind": "boilerplate", "markdown": "\n\n## How to read these figures\n\n> **Estimate**: The figures on this page are estimates we prepare from the published sources listed below. Instica measures your packaging and prepares the numbers; you check them, sign and submit to the regulator or scheme yourself. We never submit for you and never store regulator-portal credentials.\n\nEvery figure in the app carries a data-quality label: measured, supplier, estimated or declared. [How we measure and label figures](https://instica.com/epr/methodology). This page is information, not legal advice." }, { "id": "review", "heading": null, "kind": "boilerplate", "markdown": "\n\n[Our reviewers](https://instica.com/epr/reviewers)." } ], "sources": [ { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42051", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "a producer shall not sell, offer for sale, import, or distribute covered materials in the state unless the producer is approved to participate", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/138910", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Enter the amount of total gross annual sales (U.S. dollar) in California, as found on the most recent calendar year's tax returns.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "“Producer” does not include a person who produces, harvests, and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where the agricultural commodity was grown or raised.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/131538", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Division 12.1 (commencing with Section 14500)).", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42041", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "The owner or operator of the online marketplace shall not be considered the retailer or wholesaler for such sales.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance manages registration, reporting, and submissions of certain exemptions and exclusions on the producers’ behalf.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=42051", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "upon approval of a plan pursuant to Section 42063, or commencing January 1, 2027, whichever is sooner", "quoteLang": "en" }, { "url": "https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "This updated information will inform the next update to the Covered Material Categories List, which will be published by January 1, 2027.", "quoteLang": "en" } ], "breadcrumbs": [ { "name": "Packaging EPR", "url": "https://instica.com/epr" }, { "name": "California extended producer responsibility", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california" }, { "name": "Do I owe EPR fees California", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe" } ], "related": [ { "heading": "Explore packaging EPR", "links": [ { "anchor": "United States packaging EPR: 7 jurisdictions", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/united-states" } ] }, { "heading": "More for this jurisdiction", "links": [ { "anchor": "California EPR law", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/deadlines" }, { "anchor": "Sell on direct sales EPR California", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/direct/california" }, { "anchor": "California EPR reporting deadline", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/updates" }, { "anchor": "EPR fees for jars California", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/jar/california" }, { "anchor": "Pouches EPR fees California", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california" } ] }, { "heading": "Related pages", "links": [ { "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Colorado", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/do-i-owe" }, { "anchor": "Czechia EPR obligation", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/czechia/do-i-owe" }, { "anchor": "Do I need to register for EPR", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/do-i-owe" }, { "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Germany", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/germany/do-i-owe" }, { "anchor": "Maine EPR obligation", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe" }, { "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Malta", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/malta/do-i-owe" } ] } ], "alternates": [ { "hreflang": "en-US", "href": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe" }, { "hreflang": "de", "href": "https://instica.com/de/epr/california/do-i-owe" }, { "hreflang": "fr", "href": "https://instica.com/fr/epr/california/do-i-owe" }, { "hreflang": "es-419", "href": "https://instica.com/es/epr/california/do-i-owe" }, { "hreflang": "pt-BR", "href": "https://instica.com/pt/epr/california/do-i-owe" }, { "hreflang": "x-default", "href": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe" } ] }