# What is compliance scheme?
Last verified: November 4, 2026 · https://instica.com/epr/glossary/compliance-scheme
compliance scheme means: In the UK, a third party that helps organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. The Instica dataset lists compliance scheme in 1 jurisdiction, including United Kingdom. Each rule below carries its source and retrieval date. Check the figures with the regulator before you file.
## What does compliance scheme mean?
This is the definition Instica uses for compliance scheme in its EPR dataset. The wording below is checked against the source named beside it.
compliance scheme: In the UK, a third party that helps organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
> Compliance schemes are third parties that help organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements.
>
> Source: gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Language: en
## Where does compliance scheme apply?
compliance scheme appears in the rules of 1 jurisdiction in the dataset. The table gives the duty and the regulator for each; the sections after it list every sourced rule.
**Jurisdictions where compliance scheme applies**
| Jurisdiction | Producer duty | Regulator | Verified |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [United Kingdom](https://instica.com/epr/uk) | Yes | Four environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA, NIEA); PackUK is the scheme administrator that sets fees | verified Nov 4, 2026 |
## United Kingdom: the rules behind the term
13 sourced rules for United Kingdom. Each statement names its source and the date Instica retrieved it, and a rule without a primary source shows as not yet published.
United Kingdom organises producer duties through compliance schemes (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
In United Kingdom, packaging producer duties rest on Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026).
The regulator named for United Kingdom is Four environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA, NIEA); PackUK is the scheme administrator that sets fees (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
Producers that place packaging on the market in United Kingdom carry a producer responsibility duty (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
Producers must register in United Kingdom; the registry is Report packaging data (RPD) service, run by Defra and the regulators (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a tonnage threshold applies: above 25 tonnes (packaging supplied or imported in the UK in the previous calendar year); it triggers registration (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a revenue threshold applies: at or above £1,000,000 (worldwide annual turnover); it triggers registration (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a tonnage threshold applies: at or below 50 tonnes (with turnover above 1 million and up to 2 million pounds, an obligated producer is small; above 50 tonnes with turnover over 2 million pounds is large); it reduces the duty (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
United Kingdom recognises this exemption: Charities that supply or import filled or unfilled packaging in the UK, excluding subsidiaries that trade for profit. It applies without a separate application (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a reporting deadline falls on October 1, 2026, covering 2026-H1 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a reporting deadline falls on April 1, 2027, covering 2026-H2 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a reporting deadline falls on April 1, 2027, covering 2026-P0 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026).
In United Kingdom, a registration deadline falls on October 1, 2026 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026).
> Compliance schemes are third parties that help organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements.
>
> Source: gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Language: en
## Which terms are related to compliance scheme?
2 related terms help explain compliance scheme. Each links to its own entry.
- [producer responsibility organization](https://instica.com/epr/glossary/producer-responsibility-organization)
- small producer
## Which Instica pages use compliance scheme?
This jurisdiction page puts compliance scheme into practice, with thresholds, deadlines and fees.
- [United Kingdom EPR rules](https://instica.com/epr/uk)
- [Check whether you owe](https://instica.com/epr/do-i-owe)
## More questions
### What does compliance scheme mean?
compliance scheme means: In the UK, a third party that helps organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. It applies in United Kingdom.
## How to read these figures
> **Estimate**: Instica measures, estimates and prepares. These pages describe published rules and rates with their sources and retrieval dates, and an estimate is never a filing. You review, sign and submit your own reports. Read the methodology page for how figures are sourced and checked, and confirm any value with the regulator or your producer responsibility organisation before you rely on it.
## Facts on this page
Each fact is a self-contained sentence with its source. Link to a fact with its anchor.
- compliance scheme: In the UK, a third party that helps organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#glossary-compliance-scheme-definition](#glossary-compliance-scheme-definition)
Value: In the UK, a third party that helps organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: Compliance schemes are third parties that help organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. (en)
- In United Kingdom, packaging producer duties rest on Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026). [#gb-regime](#gb-regime)
Value: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-packaging-recycling-obligations-as-a-large-producer · Retrieved: November 3, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: go to schedule 5 of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 (as amended) (en)
- The regulator named for United Kingdom is Four environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA, NIEA); PackUK is the scheme administrator that sets fees (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-regulator](#gb-regulator)
Value: Four environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA, NIEA); PackUK is the scheme administrator that sets fees · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: Each of the 4 nations of the United Kingdom has its own regulator. You’ll be reporting to and monitored by the regulator for your nation. (en)
- Producers that place packaging on the market in United Kingdom carry a producer responsibility duty (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-obligated](#gb-obligated)
Value: yes · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: you supplied or imported more than 25 tonnes of packaging in the UK in the previous year (en)
- United Kingdom organises producer duties through compliance schemes (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-organisation](#gb-organisation)
Value: compliance schemes · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: Compliance schemes are third parties that help organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. (en)
- Producers must register in United Kingdom; the registry is Report packaging data (RPD) service, run by Defra and the regulators (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026). [#gb-registration](#gb-registration)
Value: yes · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer · Retrieved: November 3, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: the fee is: £1,303 if you register directly with your environmental regulator £696 if you register through a compliance scheme (en)
- In United Kingdom, a tonnage threshold applies: above 25 tonnes (packaging supplied or imported in the UK in the previous calendar year); it triggers registration (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-thresholds-obligated-tonnage](#gb-thresholds-obligated-tonnage)
Value: 25 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: you supplied or imported more than 25 tonnes of packaging in the UK in the previous year (en)
- In United Kingdom, a revenue threshold applies: at or above £1,000,000 (worldwide annual turnover); it triggers registration (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-thresholds-obligated-turnover](#gb-thresholds-obligated-turnover)
Value: £1,000,000 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: your annual turnover worldwide was £1 million or more (en)
- In United Kingdom, a tonnage threshold applies: at or below 50 tonnes (with turnover above 1 million and up to 2 million pounds, an obligated producer is small; above 50 tonnes with turnover over 2 million pounds is large); it reduces the duty (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-thresholds-small-producer-band](#gb-thresholds-small-producer-band)
Value: 50 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: annual turnover of more than £1 million and supplies more than 25 tonnes and no more than 50 tonnes of packaging (en)
- United Kingdom recognises this exemption: Charities that supply or import filled or unfilled packaging in the UK, excluding subsidiaries that trade for profit. It applies without a separate application (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-exemptions-charity](#gb-exemptions-charity)
Value: charity · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: Charities that supply or import filled or unfilled packaging in the UK are exempt from EPR for packaging requirements. (en)
- In United Kingdom, a reporting deadline falls on October 1, 2026, covering 2026-H1 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026). [#gb-deadlines-large-h1-2026-report](#gb-deadlines-large-h1-2026-report)
Value: October 1, 2026 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines · Retrieved: November 3, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: 1 January to 30 June 2026 1 October 2026 (en)
- In United Kingdom, a reporting deadline falls on April 1, 2027, covering 2026-H2 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-deadlines-large-h2-2026-report](#gb-deadlines-large-h2-2026-report)
Value: April 1, 2027 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: 1 July to 31 December 2026 1 April 2027 (en)
- In United Kingdom, a reporting deadline falls on April 1, 2027, covering 2026-P0 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026). [#gb-deadlines-small-2026-report](#gb-deadlines-small-2026-report)
Value: April 1, 2027 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines · Retrieved: November 3, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: 1 January to 31 December 2026 1 April 2027 (en)
- In United Kingdom, a registration deadline falls on October 1, 2026 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-deadlines-large-registration-annual](#gb-deadlines-large-registration-annual)
Value: October 1, 2026 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: you must register for EPR for packaging each year, and pay the applicable fees by 1 October. (en)
- In United Kingdom, a registration deadline falls on April 1, 2027 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-deadlines-small-registration-annual](#gb-deadlines-small-registration-annual)
Value: April 1, 2027 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: you must register for EPR for packaging each year, and pay a registration fee by 1 April. (en)
- In United Kingdom, a deadline of another kind falls on January 31, 2027, covering 2026 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026). [#gb-deadlines-prn-obligation-year-end](#gb-deadlines-prn-obligation-year-end)
Value: January 31, 2027 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-packaging-recycling-obligations-as-a-large-producer · Retrieved: November 3, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: you must meet your recycling obligations, including submitting your certificate or statement of compliance, by 31 January 2027 (en)
- The penalty rule is not yet published. Reason recorded: The penalty and civil sanction amounts are in the regulations and regulator enforcement policy, which were not read. Nothing is recorded rather than guessed. [#gb-penalties](#gb-penalties)
Value: not yet published · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: not yet published
Verbatim quote: If you miss a deadline, you should contact your environmental regulator. (en)
- United Kingdom sets 12 recycling targets, the first on plastic recycling obligation at 57 by December 31, 2026 (Source: gov.uk, retrieved November 3, 2026). [#gb-targets](#gb-targets)
Value: 12 · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-packaging-recycling-obligations-as-a-large-producer · Retrieved: November 3, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: Packaging recycling targets 2025 to 2027 (en)
- In United Kingdom, revenue tests use global over the previous accounting year (Source: gov.uk, retrieved September 29, 2026). [#gb-revenue-scope](#gb-revenue-scope)
Value: global · Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
Verbatim quote: you must get your annual turnover from the last accounts that were available before 7 April 2026. (en)
## Related pages
### Explore packaging EPR
- [UK packaging EPR](https://instica.com/epr/united-kingdom)
### More for this jurisdiction
- [United Kingdom EPR](https://instica.com/epr/uk)
### Related pages
- [What is covered product exemption](https://instica.com/epr/glossary/covered-product)
- [De minimis producer packaging EPR](https://instica.com/epr/glossary/de-minimis-producer)
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- [Eco-modulation packaging EPR](https://instica.com/epr/glossary/eco-modulation)
- [What is EPR](https://instica.com/epr/glossary/extended-producer-responsibility)
- [What is flat dues](https://instica.com/epr/glossary/flat-dues)
## Sources
1. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> you supplied or imported more than 25 tonnes of packaging in the UK in the previous year (en)
2. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> Compliance schemes are third parties that help organisations meet the EPR for packaging requirements. (en)
3. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-packaging-recycling-obligations-as-a-large-producer), Retrieved: November 3, 2026, Status: verified
> go to schedule 5 of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 (as amended) (en)
4. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines), Retrieved: November 3, 2026, Status: verified
> 1 January to 30 June 2026 1 October 2026 (en)
5. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> Each of the 4 nations of the United Kingdom has its own regulator. You’ll be reporting to and monitored by the regulator for your nation. (en)
6. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer), Retrieved: November 3, 2026, Status: verified
> the fee is: £1,303 if you register directly with your environmental regulator £696 if you register through a compliance scheme (en)
7. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> your annual turnover worldwide was £1 million or more (en)
8. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epr-for-packaging-what-you-must-do-as-a-small-producer), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> annual turnover of more than £1 million and supplies more than 25 tonnes and no more than 50 tonnes of packaging (en)
9. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> Charities that supply or import filled or unfilled packaging in the UK are exempt from EPR for packaging requirements. (en)
10. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> 1 July to 31 December 2026 1 April 2027 (en)
11. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines), Retrieved: November 3, 2026, Status: verified
> 1 January to 31 December 2026 1 April 2027 (en)
12. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> you must register for EPR for packaging each year, and pay the applicable fees by 1 October. (en)
13. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-data-check-reporting-periods-and-submission-deadlines), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> you must register for EPR for packaging each year, and pay a registration fee by 1 April. (en)
14. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-packaging-recycling-obligations-as-a-large-producer), Retrieved: November 3, 2026, Status: verified
> you must meet your recycling obligations, including submitting your certificate or statement of compliance, by 31 January 2027 (en)
15. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-packaging-recycling-obligations-as-a-large-producer), Retrieved: November 3, 2026, Status: verified
> Packaging recycling targets 2025 to 2027 (en)
16. gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-must-comply-with-epr-for-packaging--2), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
> you must get your annual turnover from the last accounts that were available before 7 April 2026. (en)
## Cite this page
Instica, “What is compliance scheme?”, https://instica.com/epr/glossary/compliance-scheme, last verified 2026-11-04, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.
- Canonical URL: https://instica.com/epr/glossary/compliance-scheme
- Last verified: November 4, 2026
- Last changed: November 3, 2026
- Dataset version: v1-281284b7e7c1
- Licence: Reuse is allowed under CC-BY-4.0 with credit to Instica and a link to this page.
- Machine-readable versions: https://instica.com/epr/glossary/compliance-scheme.md · https://instica.com/epr/glossary/compliance-scheme.json