{
  "schema": "instica-epr-page/1",
  "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado",
  "twins": {
    "md": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado.md",
    "json": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado.json"
  },
  "key": "H:shopify:US-CO",
  "family": "H",
  "locale": "en",
  "lang": "en-US",
  "title": "Shopify EPR Colorado: who is the producer? | Instica",
  "h1": "Shopify EPR Colorado: who is the producer?",
  "description": "Who counts as the packaging producer for Shopify sales in Colorado: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer, plus 2 more packaging…",
  "answer": "For Shopify sales in Colorado, the sourced hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer as the producer of primary packaging. It adds shipping (packer and shipper) and other (first distributor). Instica estimates which role fits your sales and prepares the data; you confirm the role, then sign and submit.",
  "lastVerified": "2026-11-05",
  "dateModified": "2026-11-05",
  "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, “Shopify EPR Colorado: who is the producer?”, https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado, last verified 2026-11-05, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.",
  "about": [],
  "facts": [
    {
      "id": "producer-outcome",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#producer-outcome",
      "leafPath": "calc.H.outcome[US-CO:shopify]",
      "statement": "For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is primary: manufacturer or brand owner then brand licensee then importer; shipping: packer and shipper; other: first distributor.",
      "value": "primary: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > importer; shipping: packer_shipper; other: first_distributor",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "hierarchy-primary",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#hierarchy-primary",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary",
      "statement": "Colorado: at the primary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer (2025).",
      "value": "manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > importer",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "hierarchy-shipping",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#hierarchy-shipping",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.producer_hierarchy.levels.shipping",
      "statement": "Colorado: at the shipping packaging level the producer hierarchy names the packer and shipper (2025).",
      "value": "packer_shipper",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "hierarchy-other",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#hierarchy-other",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.producer_hierarchy.levels.other",
      "statement": "Colorado: at the other packaging level the producer hierarchy names the first distributor (2025).",
      "value": "first_distributor",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-primary",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#outcome-primary",
      "leafPath": "calc.H.level[US-CO:shopify:primary]",
      "statement": "For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is primary: manufacturer or brand owner then brand licensee then importer.",
      "value": "manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > importer",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-shipping",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#outcome-shipping",
      "leafPath": "calc.H.level[US-CO:shopify:shipping]",
      "statement": "For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is shipping: packer and shipper.",
      "value": "packer_shipper",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-other",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#outcome-other",
      "leafPath": "calc.H.level[US-CO:shopify:other]",
      "statement": "For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is other: first distributor.",
      "value": "first_distributor",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "regime",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#regime",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.regime",
      "statement": "Colorado: the packaging rules sit in Colorado Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, C.R.S. 25-17-701 et seq. (HB22-1355).",
      "value": "Colorado Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, C.R.S. 25-17-701 et seq. (HB22-1355)",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
        "quote": "In 2022, Governor Polis signed the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act into law",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "regulator",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#regulator",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.regulator",
      "statement": "Colorado: the regulator is Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Solid Waste and Materials Management Program.",
      "value": "Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Solid Waste and Materials Management Program",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
        "quote": "CDPHE appointed Circular Action Alliance as the designated Producer Responsibility Organization in May 2023.",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "obligated",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#obligated",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.obligated",
      "statement": "Colorado places an obligation on packaging producers.",
      "value": true,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
        "quote": "a producer cannot sell or distribute products that use covered materials in Colorado unless they participate in the Producer Responsibility Program",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "registration",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#registration",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.registration",
      "statement": "Colorado: producers must register through Circular Action Alliance producer portal.",
      "value": true,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
        "quote": "All producers of paper products and packaging materials should register with Circular Action Alliance and submit a supply report.",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "organisation",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#organisation",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.organisation",
      "statement": "Colorado organises producer responsibility through more than one producer responsibility organisation: Circular Action Alliance and Interchange 360 (automotive lubricant packaging, individual programme); membership is required.",
      "value": "multiple_pros",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
        "quote": "Interchange 360 manages the recycling of automotive lubricant packaging, such as motor oil and antifreeze.",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "revenue-scope",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#revenue-scope",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.revenue_scope",
      "statement": "Colorado measures revenue as realised gross total revenue in USD, over the prior calendar year.",
      "value": "realized_gross_total_revenue",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
        "quote": "in realized gross total revenue, not including on-premises alcohol sales, during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "sales-channels",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#sales-channels",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.applicability.sales_channels",
      "statement": "Colorado lists these sales routes as in scope: physical retail and internet transaction.",
      "value": "physical_retail,internet_transaction",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
        "quote": "means any material, regardless of recyclability, that is intended for single or short-term use",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-small_producer_revenue",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#threshold-small_producer_revenue",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.thresholds[small_producer_revenue]",
      "statement": "Colorado threshold on revenue: $5,000,000; effect: exempt below the threshold.",
      "value": "$5,000,000",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
        "quote": "A person with less than five million dollars in realized gross total revenue, not including on-premises alcohol sales, during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-small_producer_tonnage",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#threshold-small_producer_tonnage",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.thresholds[small_producer_tonnage]",
      "statement": "Colorado threshold on tonnage: 1 short ton; effect: exempt below the threshold.",
      "value": "1 short ton",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
        "quote": "has used less than one ton of covered materials for products sold or distributed within or into the state",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-flat_dues_ceiling",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#threshold-flat_dues_ceiling",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.thresholds[flat_dues_ceiling]",
      "statement": "Colorado threshold on tonnage: 10 short tons; effect: flat fee band.",
      "value": "10 short tons",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CO-2026-Dues-Schedule-Public.pdf",
        "quote": "Producers who supply 10 tons or less of covered materials into the state are eligible to pay flat dues according to the following schedule",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "exemption-statutory_exemptions",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#exemption-statutory_exemptions",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.exemptions[statutory_exemptions]",
      "statement": "Colorado exemption: Exempt from Part 7: revenue under the dollar limit, under one ton of covered materials, state or local government, nonprofit, an agricultural employer with under $5 million in-state consumer sales of its own-brand farm products, a single licensed retail food establishment at a physical location, and builders, construction companies and contractors. It does not have to be applied for.",
      "value": "statutory_exemptions",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
        "quote": "A producer is exempt from the requirements of this part 7 if the producer is",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "deadline-dues_2026",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#deadline-dues_2026",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.deadlines[dues_2026]",
      "statement": "Colorado: payment date January 1, 2026, covering program year 2026.",
      "value": "January 1, 2026",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-709",
        "quote": "no later than January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter by a date determined by the organization",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "deadline-eco_modulation_bonus_schedule",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#deadline-eco_modulation_bonus_schedule",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.deadlines[eco_modulation_bonus_schedule]",
      "statement": "Colorado: other date January 1, 2026.",
      "value": "January 1, 2026",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-709",
        "quote": "By January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, the executive director shall develop an eco-modulation bonus schedule",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "penalty-0",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#penalty-0",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.penalties.items[0]",
      "statement": "Colorado penalty for First violation of Part 7 by a producer or producer responsibility organization: up to $5,000 for the first day, then up to $1,500 per day the violation continues.",
      "value": "up to 5000 for the first day, then up to 1500 per day the violation continues",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2022a_1355_signed.pdf",
        "quote": "FIRST VIOLATION, AN INITIAL PENALTY OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST DAY OF EACH VIOLATION AND ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER DAY",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-11-05",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "penalty-1",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#penalty-1",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.penalties.items[1]",
      "statement": "Colorado penalty for Second violation within twelve months after a prior violation: up to $10,000 for the first day, then up to $3,000 per day the violation continues.",
      "value": "up to 10000 for the first day, then up to 3000 per day the violation continues",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2022a_1355_signed.pdf",
        "quote": null,
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-11-05",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "penalty-2",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#penalty-2",
      "leafPath": "US-CO.penalties.items[2]",
      "statement": "Colorado penalty for Third or later violation within twelve months after two or more prior violations: up to $20,000 for the first day, then up to $6,000 per day the violation continues.",
      "value": "up to 20000 for the first day, then up to 6000 per day the violation continues",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2022a_1355_signed.pdf",
        "quote": null,
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-11-05",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "preset-shopify_orders-columns",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#preset-shopify_orders-columns",
      "leafPath": "import_presets[shopify_orders].columns",
      "statement": "Instica maps 11 columns of the Shopify order export (,-separated) to its own fields.",
      "value": 11,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/fulfillment/managing-orders/exporting-orders",
        "quote": "Order export CSV columns: Name, Financial Status, Fulfillment Status, Created at, Lineitem quantity, Lineitem name, Lineitem SKU, Lineitem requires shipping, Lineitem fulfillment status, Shipping Zip, Shipping Province, Shipping Province Name, Shipping Country, Canceled at",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-08",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "preset-shopify_orders-required",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#preset-shopify_orders-required",
      "leafPath": "import_presets[shopify_orders].required",
      "statement": "The Shopify order export needs Order number, Order date, SKU and Quantity to be mapped before an estimate can run.",
      "value": "order_id,order_date,sku,quantity",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/fulfillment/managing-orders/exporting-orders",
        "quote": "Order export CSV columns: Name, Financial Status, Fulfillment Status, Created at, Lineitem quantity, Lineitem name, Lineitem SKU, Lineitem requires shipping, Lineitem fulfillment status, Shipping Zip, Shipping Province, Shipping Province Name, Shipping Country, Canceled at",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-08",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "preset-shopify_products-columns",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#preset-shopify_products-columns",
      "leafPath": "import_presets[shopify_products].columns",
      "statement": "Instica maps 3 columns of the Shopify product CSV (,-separated) to its own fields.",
      "value": 3,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/import-export/using-csv",
        "quote": "Product CSV columns: Title, URL handle, SKU, Barcodes ... If you previously used a CSV file that had the old singular Barcode column, then it's updated to Barcodes on the next occasion that you export a products CSV file. ... Shopify maintains backward compatibility with older column names",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-08",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "preset-shopify_products-required",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado#preset-shopify_products-required",
      "leafPath": "import_presets[shopify_products].required",
      "statement": "The Shopify product CSV needs SKU to be mapped before an estimate can run.",
      "value": "sku",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/import-export/using-csv",
        "quote": "Product CSV columns: Title, URL handle, SKU, Barcodes ... If you previously used a CSV file that had the old singular Barcode column, then it's updated to Barcodes on the next occasion that you export a products CSV file. ... Shopify maintains backward compatibility with older column names",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-08",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "sections": [
    {
      "id": "answer",
      "heading": null,
      "kind": "answer",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"answer\"></a>\n\nFor Shopify sales in Colorado, the sourced hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer as the producer of primary packaging. It adds shipping (packer and shipper) and other (first distributor). Instica estimates which role fits your sales and prepares the data; you confirm the role, then sign and submit."
    },
    {
      "id": "producer",
      "heading": "Who is the producer for Shopify sales in Colorado?",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"producer\"></a>\n\n## Who is the producer for Shopify sales in Colorado?\n\nA packaging producer is not one business for every pack. The hierarchy for Colorado assigns a role at each packaging level, and 3 levels have roles named in the sourced text. Shopify sales touch 3 of them in Instica’s grouping, so the table below shows every level and marks the ones that apply to this channel.\n\n<a id=\"hierarchy\"></a>**Producer roles by packaging level in Colorado**\n\n| Packaging level | Roles named in the hierarchy | For Shopify |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| primary | manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer | Applies to Shopify sales |\n| secondary | — | No role named |\n| tertiary | — | No role named |\n| shipping | packer and shipper | Applies to Shopify sales |\n| service | — | No role named |\n| other | first distributor | Applies to Shopify sales |\n\n<a id=\"hierarchy-primary\"></a>Colorado: at the primary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer (2025).\n\nPrimary packaging is the pack that directly holds the item and reaches the customer with it: the bag, jar, bottle, can or wrapper. For Shopify sales the hierarchy assigns it to the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer, in that order of precedence.\n\n<a id=\"hierarchy-shipping\"></a>Colorado: at the shipping packaging level the producer hierarchy names the packer and shipper (2025).\n\nShipping packaging is what an order travels in to the customer: the mailer or shipping box, void fill, tape and labels. For Shopify sales the hierarchy assigns it to the packer and shipper.\n\n<a id=\"hierarchy-other\"></a>Colorado: at the other packaging level the producer hierarchy names the first distributor (2025).\n\nThe hierarchy also assigns a residual level for packaging that does not fit the other levels, usually to whoever first distributes it. For Shopify sales the hierarchy assigns it to the first distributor.\n\nThe roles above are defined by the law, not by the channel. This is what each one means for a seller whose orders come through Shopify, and the tests below are the questions to answer about your own business. On Shopify you run the storefront yourself, so you often hold the seller, packer and shipper positions together. The marketplace roles in the hierarchy do not apply to you, but the product roles do.\n\n- **manufacturer or brand owner**: The manufacturer or brand owner is the maker of the packaged product when it is sold under the maker’s own brand or with no brand shown. Look at the label: if your name or brand is the one on the pack, or no brand is shown and you made it, this role is yours.\n- **brand licensee**: The brand licensee is a business that sells under a brand it licenses from the brand owner. Look at the licence: if you pay to use another owner’s brand on goods you sell, the hierarchy treats you as the licensee.\n- **importer**: The importer is the business that brings the packaged goods, or the packaging itself, into the jurisdiction. Look at where the goods came from: stock that crossed the border to reach you makes you the importer for that stock.\n- **packer and shipper**: The packer and shipper is the business that packs the order and ships it to the customer. Look at who closes the box: the business that packs the parcel and sends it holds this role for the shipping packaging.\n- **first distributor**: The first distributor is the business that first makes the packaged goods available in the jurisdiction. Look at who first made the goods available locally: if that was you, the role falls to you.\n\nThe statute or regulator text behind the Colorado hierarchy, in its source wording:\n\n> the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state\n>\n> Source: colorado.public.law: crs 25 17 703 (https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Language: en\n\nParaphrase: Manufacturer of the product if sold under its own brand or with no brand shown, else the licensee of the brand or trademark, else the importer into the United States (703(30)(a)). Internet sales: the producer of the packaging that protects or contains the product, and for shipping packaging the person that packages or ships the product (703(30)(b)). Magazines, newspapers, catalogs and similar: the publisher (703(30)(c)). Other paper products and other packaging fall to later paragraphs of 703(30) that were read only in part."
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome",
      "heading": "What Shopify changes about the answer",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"outcome\"></a>\n\n## What Shopify changes about the answer\n\nThe hub for Colorado gives the default answer, primary: manufacturer or brand owner > brand licensee > importer. For Shopify sales the outcome is primary: manufacturer or brand owner > brand licensee > importer; shipping: packer and shipper; other: first distributor. The difference is the shipping and other levels, which an order placed through Shopify brings into scope and a plain in-store sale does not.\n\nInstica groups the packaging levels an order placed through Shopify produces as primary, shipping and other. That grouping is our reading of how the channel ships goods, not wording from the law, and it is what makes the outcome here different from the default.\n\nA Shopify store is your own storefront: you are the seller of record, you choose the packaging and you usually ship the order yourself or through a logistics partner. No marketplace sits between you and the customer, so marketplace roles do not apply.\n\n<a id=\"outcome-primary\"></a>For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is primary: manufacturer or brand owner then brand licensee then importer.\n\n<a id=\"outcome-shipping\"></a>For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is shipping: packer and shipper.\n\n<a id=\"outcome-other\"></a>For Shopify sales in Colorado, the producer outcome is other: first distributor.\n\n<a id=\"sales-channels\"></a>Colorado lists these sales routes as in scope: physical retail and internet transaction.\n\nColorado treats these sales routes as in scope: physical retail and internet transaction. Orders placed through Shopify reach the customer remotely, so the remote-sale wording is the one to read."
    },
    {
      "id": "thresholds",
      "heading": "Does a small-seller threshold apply in Colorado?",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"thresholds\"></a>\n\n## Does a small-seller threshold apply in Colorado?\n\n3 thresholds are published for Colorado. A threshold can exempt a small producer, trigger registration or move a producer to a lighter regime, so check these before anything else as a seller on Shopify.\n\n<a id=\"thresholds-table\"></a>**Thresholds published for Colorado**\n\n| Measure | Amount | Effect | Basis |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| revenue | $5,000,000 | exempt below the threshold | realized gross total revenue, prior calendar year, excluding on-premises alcohol sales |\n| tonnage | 1 short ton | exempt below the threshold | covered materials used for products sold or distributed in or into Colorado, prior calendar year |\n| tonnage | 10 short tons | flat fee band | covered materials supplied into Colorado |\n\n<a id=\"threshold-small_producer_revenue\"></a>Colorado threshold on revenue: $5,000,000; effect: exempt below the threshold.\n\n<a id=\"threshold-small_producer_tonnage\"></a>Colorado threshold on tonnage: 1 short ton; effect: exempt below the threshold.\n\n<a id=\"threshold-flat_dues_ceiling\"></a>Colorado threshold on tonnage: 10 short tons; effect: flat fee band.\n\n<a id=\"revenue-scope\"></a>Colorado measures revenue as realised gross total revenue in USD, over the prior calendar year.\n\nThe way Colorado counts revenue is set out above. Sales through several channels are added together, so one storefront alone may not tell you where you stand.\n\nSales on Shopify count toward the same totals as every other channel you sell through."
    },
    {
      "id": "register",
      "heading": "Registration and the organisation in Colorado",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"register\"></a>\n\n## Registration and the organisation in Colorado\n\nOnce you know you are the producer, the next questions are where to register and with whom. The facts below are the sourced answers for Colorado; Instica prepares the data, and you register and report yourself.\n\n<a id=\"registration\"></a>Colorado: producers must register through Circular Action Alliance producer portal.\n\nThe registration point is Circular Action Alliance producer portal (https://circularactionalliance.org/registration). Instica never stores your login for it and never files for you.\n\n<a id=\"organisation\"></a>Colorado organises producer responsibility through more than one producer responsibility organisation: Circular Action Alliance and Interchange 360 (automotive lubricant packaging, individual programme); membership is required.\n\nColorado uses more than one producer responsibility organisation. Instica estimates your fees; the organisation invoices you."
    },
    {
      "id": "exemptions",
      "heading": "Exemptions listed for Colorado",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"exemptions\"></a>\n\n## Exemptions listed for Colorado\n\nColorado lists one exemption. An exemption is a rule in the source, so Instica quotes it rather than judging whether you qualify.\n\n<a id=\"exemption-statutory_exemptions\"></a>Colorado exemption: Exempt from Part 7: revenue under the dollar limit, under one ton of covered materials, state or local government, nonprofit, an agricultural employer with under $5 million in-state consumer sales of its own-brand farm products, a single licensed retail food establishment at a physical location, and builders, construction companies and contractors. It does not have to be applied for.\n\nWhether an exemption fits a business selling on Shopify depends on your totals across every channel, not on Shopify alone."
    },
    {
      "id": "deadlines",
      "heading": "Dates that matter in Colorado",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"deadlines\"></a>\n\n## Dates that matter in Colorado\n\n2 dates are published for Colorado. Dates come from the regulator or the organisation, and each one shows what it covers.\n\n<a id=\"deadlines-table\"></a>**Dates published for Colorado**\n\n| Kind | Date | Covers | Note |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| payment | January 1, 2026 | program year 2026 | The statute sets the latest date; CAA sets the invoice date. CDPHE says dues are payable in January each year. |\n| other | January 1, 2026 | — | The executive director develops the bonus schedule by 1 January each year. |\n\n<a id=\"deadline-dues_2026\"></a>Colorado: payment date January 1, 2026, covering program year 2026.\n\n<a id=\"deadline-eco_modulation_bonus_schedule\"></a>Colorado: other date January 1, 2026.\n\nPull Shopify orders for the period before each reporting date, so gaps in the destination data show up while there is time to fix them."
    },
    {
      "id": "penalties",
      "heading": "Penalties in Colorado",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"penalties\"></a>\n\n## Penalties in Colorado\n\n3 penalties are published for Colorado.\n\n<a id=\"penalty-0\"></a>Colorado penalty for First violation of Part 7 by a producer or producer responsibility organization: up to $5,000 for the first day, then up to $1,500 per day the violation continues.\n\n<a id=\"penalty-1\"></a>Colorado penalty for Second violation within twelve months after a prior violation: up to $10,000 for the first day, then up to $3,000 per day the violation continues.\n\n<a id=\"penalty-2\"></a>Colorado penalty for Third or later violation within twelve months after two or more prior violations: up to $20,000 for the first day, then up to $6,000 per day the violation continues.\n\nPenalties are quoted from the source. Instica does not predict whether one will be applied to you."
    },
    {
      "id": "data",
      "heading": "What Shopify data Instica reads",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"data\"></a>\n\n## What Shopify data Instica reads\n\nInstica reads 2 exports from Shopify and maps each column to the fields an estimate needs: the order, the SKU, the quantity and where the order was sent. The destination is what splits your units by jurisdiction.\n\n<a id=\"preset-shopify_orders\"></a>**How the Shopify order export maps to Instica fields**\n\n| Instica field | Column in the export | Needed |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Cancelled at | Canceled at / Cancelled at | Optional |\n| Financial status | Financial Status | Optional |\n| Line fulfilment | Lineitem fulfillment status | Optional |\n| Order date | Created at | Required |\n| Order number | Name | Required |\n| Quantity | Lineitem quantity | Required |\n| Requires shipping | Lineitem requires shipping | Optional |\n| Ship-to country | Shipping Country | Optional |\n| Ship-to postcode | Shipping Zip | Optional |\n| Ship-to state or region | Shipping Province / Shipping Province Name | Optional |\n| SKU | Lineitem sku | Required |\n\n<a id=\"preset-shopify_orders-columns\"></a>Instica maps 11 columns of the Shopify order export (,-separated) to its own fields.\n\n<a id=\"preset-shopify_orders-required\"></a>The Shopify order export needs Order number, Order date, SKU and Quantity to be mapped before an estimate can run.\n\n<a id=\"preset-shopify_products\"></a>**How the Shopify product CSV maps to Instica fields**\n\n| Instica field | Column in the export | Needed |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| GTIN | Barcodes / Variant Barcode / Barcode | Optional |\n| Product name | Title | Optional |\n| SKU | SKU / Variant SKU | Required |\n\n<a id=\"preset-shopify_products-columns\"></a>Instica maps 3 columns of the Shopify product CSV (,-separated) to its own fields.\n\n<a id=\"preset-shopify_products-required\"></a>The Shopify product CSV needs SKU to be mapped before an estimate can run.\n\nOrders are matched to Colorado by the ship-to state or region column. Rows outside your chosen jurisdictions are left out of this page’s estimate and counted elsewhere.\n\nAn export from Shopify carries the destination of every order, so one file can feed estimates for Colorado and every other jurisdiction your orders reach."
    },
    {
      "id": "steps",
      "heading": "What to do next as a seller on Shopify",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"steps\"></a>\n\n## What to do next as a seller on Shopify\n\n1. Confirm your role for Shopify sales in Colorado against the table above.\n2. Check the thresholds and exemptions with your total sales across every channel.\n3. Find out where producers register in Colorado.\n4. Export your Shopify orders and let Instica match the destinations and estimate the weights.\n5. Review the estimate, correct any figure you know better, then sign and submit the report yourself at the registration point.\n\nInstica measures, estimates and prepares the Shopify data. It does not decide your role, sign for you or submit anything."
    },
    {
      "id": "faq",
      "heading": "Questions sellers ask",
      "kind": "faq",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"faq\"></a>\n\n## Questions sellers ask\n\n### <a id=\"q1\"></a>Am I the producer if I sell on Shopify in Colorado?\n\nIt depends on the facts of each product. The sourced hierarchy for Colorado names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and importer for primary packaging. If you made the product, own its brand or imported it, you are probably in that list; if you only resell another brand’s goods, someone else may be the producer. Instica estimates the likely role from your answers and you confirm it.\n\n### <a id=\"q2\"></a>Does Shopify register or report for me?\n\nThe hierarchy for Colorado does not name the marketplace as a producer, so plan on registering and reporting yourself or through a party you appoint.\n\n### <a id=\"q3\"></a>What is different about Shopify compared with selling in a shop?\n\nAn order placed through Shopify is shipped to the customer, so shipping packaging enters the picture. For Colorado the outcome is primary: manufacturer or brand owner > brand licensee > importer; shipping: packer and shipper; other: first distributor. The hub for Colorado describes the default for primary packaging only.\n\n### <a id=\"q4\"></a>Is there a size threshold for Shopify sellers in Colorado?\n\nColorado threshold on revenue: $5,000,000; effect: exempt below the threshold. The threshold counts all your sales, not only Shopify.\n\n### <a id=\"q5\"></a>When is the next date I should know about?\n\nColorado: payment date January 1, 2026, covering program year 2026.\n\n### <a id=\"q6\"></a>What happens if I do not register?\n\nColorado penalty for First violation of Part 7 by a producer or producer responsibility organization: up to $5,000 for the first day, then up to $1,500 per day the violation continues.\n\n### <a id=\"q7\"></a>Do I need an organisation to handle this for me?\n\nThe sourced text for Colorado names no single organisation. Instica prepares the data and you choose how to register."
    },
    {
      "id": "estimate",
      "heading": "How these figures are made",
      "kind": "boilerplate",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"estimate\"></a>\n\n## How these figures are made\n\n> **Estimate**: Instica measures, estimates and prepares. Every figure on this page is read from a sourced record or computed from one, and each carries its data quality. The customer signs and submits the report; Instica never stores regulator login details and never files on your behalf. This page is general information about published rules; confirm your own position with a qualified adviser."
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "the person that is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a packaged item is sold or distributed in the state",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "In 2022, Governor Polis signed the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act into law",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "CDPHE appointed Circular Action Alliance as the designated Producer Responsibility Organization in May 2023.",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "a producer cannot sell or distribute products that use covered materials in Colorado unless they participate in the Producer Responsibility Program",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "All producers of paper products and packaging materials should register with Circular Action Alliance and submit a supply report.",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/producer-responsibility-program",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Interchange 360 manages the recycling of automotive lubricant packaging, such as motor oil and antifreeze.",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "in realized gross total revenue, not including on-premises alcohol sales, during the prior calendar year",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-703",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "means any material, regardless of recyclability, that is intended for single or short-term use",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "A person with less than five million dollars in realized gross total revenue, not including on-premises alcohol sales, during the prior calendar year",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "has used less than one ton of covered materials for products sold or distributed within or into the state",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CO-2026-Dues-Schedule-Public.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Producers who supply 10 tons or less of covered materials into the state are eligible to pay flat dues according to the following schedule",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-713",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "A producer is exempt from the requirements of this part 7 if the producer is",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-709",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "no later than January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter by a date determined by the organization",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_25-17-709",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "By January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, the executive director shall develop an eco-modulation bonus schedule",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2022a_1355_signed.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-11-05",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "FIRST VIOLATION, AN INITIAL PENALTY OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST DAY OF EACH VIOLATION AND ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER DAY",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/fulfillment/managing-orders/exporting-orders",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-10-08",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Order export CSV columns: Name, Financial Status, Fulfillment Status, Created at, Lineitem quantity, Lineitem name, Lineitem SKU, Lineitem requires shipping, Lineitem fulfillment status, Shipping Zip, Shipping Province, Shipping Province Name, Shipping Country, Canceled at",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/import-export/using-csv",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-10-08",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Product CSV columns: Title, URL handle, SKU, Barcodes ... If you previously used a CSV file that had the old singular Barcode column, then it's updated to Barcodes on the next occasion that you export a products CSV file. ... Shopify maintains backward compatibility with older column names",
      "quoteLang": null
    }
  ],
  "breadcrumbs": [
    {
      "name": "Packaging EPR",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr"
    },
    {
      "name": "EPR for ecommerce sellers: EPR for online sellers by sales channel",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for"
    },
    {
      "name": "Shopify EPR Colorado: who is the producer?",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado"
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    {
      "heading": "Part of",
      "links": [
        {
          "anchor": "Colorado EPR threshold",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "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": "Colorado EPR fees 2027",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/fees/2027"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Colorado EPR legislation",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/deadlines"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Colorado paper fee rate",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/updates"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Bottles packaging EPR Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/bottle/colorado"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Jars packaging EPR Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/jar/colorado"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "EPR fees for mailers Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/mailer/colorado"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Pouches packaging EPR Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/colorado"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Plastic - flexible EPR Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/fees/2027/plastic-flexible"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Colorado plastic - rigid fee rate",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/colorado/fees/2027/plastic-rigid"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "heading": "Related pages",
      "links": [
        {
          "anchor": "Shopify packaging EPR Czechia fees",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/czechia"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Sell on Shopify EPR Norway",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/norway"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Sell on Shopify EPR Nova Scotia",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/nova-scotia"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Sell on Shopify EPR Yukon",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/yukon"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Amazon packaging EPR Alberta fees",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/amazon/alberta"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Amazon EPR Austria",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/amazon/austria"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "alternates": [
    {
      "hreflang": "en-US",
      "href": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado"
    },
    {
      "hreflang": "de",
      "href": "https://instica.com/de/epr/for/shopify/colorado"
    },
    {
      "hreflang": "fr",
      "href": "https://instica.com/fr/epr/for/shopify/colorado"
    },
    {
      "hreflang": "zh-Hans",
      "href": "https://instica.com/zh/epr/for/shopify/colorado"
    },
    {
      "hreflang": "x-default",
      "href": "https://instica.com/epr/for/shopify/colorado"
    }
  ]
}