{
  "schema": "instica-epr-page/1",
  "url": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe",
  "twins": {
    "md": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe.md",
    "json": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe.json"
  },
  "key": "E:US-ME",
  "family": "E",
  "locale": "en",
  "lang": "en-US",
  "title": "Maine EPR obligation | Instica",
  "h1": "Maine EPR obligation",
  "description": "Under the rules we hold, Maine has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor.",
  "answer": "Under the rules we hold, Maine has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor. The size limit on record is $2,000,000, 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, “Maine EPR obligation”, https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe, last verified 2026-09-29, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.",
  "about": [
    {
      "name": "Maine"
    }
  ],
  "facts": [
    {
      "id": "obligated",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#obligated",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.obligated",
      "statement": "Maine: a packaging EPR obligation applies.",
      "value": true,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "a producer is exempt from the requirements and prohibitions of this section in any calendar year in which:",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "level-primary",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#level-primary",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary",
      "statement": "Maine: for primary (sales) packaging the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor.",
      "value": "manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "\"Producer\" means: (1) For a product contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using packaging material",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_revenue",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_revenue",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_revenue]",
      "statement": "Maine: the revenue limit is $2,000,000.",
      "value": 2000000,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_revenue-effect",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_revenue-effect",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_revenue].effect",
      "statement": "Maine: at the revenue limit of $2,000,000, the producer is exempt below it.",
      "value": "exempt_below",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_revenue-logic",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_revenue-logic",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_revenue].logic",
      "statement": "Maine: the revenue limit of $2,000,000 applies to figures below it.",
      "value": "lt",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_revenue-basis",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_revenue-basis",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_revenue].basis",
      "statement": "Maine: the revenue limit is counted as follows: total gross revenue, prior calendar year.",
      "value": "total gross revenue, prior calendar year",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_tonnage",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_tonnage",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_tonnage]",
      "statement": "Maine: the tonnage limit is 1 short ton.",
      "value": 1,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_tonnage-effect",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_tonnage-effect",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_tonnage].effect",
      "statement": "Maine: at the tonnage limit of 1 short ton, the producer is exempt below it.",
      "value": "exempt_below",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_tonnage-logic",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_tonnage-logic",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_tonnage].logic",
      "statement": "Maine: the tonnage limit of 1 short ton applies to figures below it.",
      "value": "lt",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-exempt_tonnage-basis",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-exempt_tonnage-basis",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[exempt_tonnage].basis",
      "statement": "Maine: the tonnage limit is counted as follows: packaging material sold into Maine, prior calendar year.",
      "value": "packaging material sold into Maine, prior calendar year",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-low_volume",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-low_volume",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[low_volume]",
      "statement": "Maine: the tonnage limit is 15 short tons.",
      "value": 15,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-low_volume-effect",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-low_volume-effect",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[low_volume].effect",
      "statement": "Maine: at the tonnage limit of 15 short tons, a reduced obligation applies.",
      "value": "reduced_obligation",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-low_volume-logic",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-low_volume-logic",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[low_volume].logic",
      "statement": "Maine: the tonnage limit of 15 short tons applies to figures below it.",
      "value": "lt",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "threshold-low_volume-basis",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#threshold-low_volume-basis",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.thresholds[low_volume].basis",
      "statement": "Maine: the tonnage limit is counted as follows: packaging material, prior calendar year; more than one ton and under 15 tons.",
      "value": "packaging material, prior calendar year; more than one ton and under 15 tons",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "exemption-nonprofit_501c3",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#exemption-nonprofit_501c3",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.exemptions[nonprofit_501c3]",
      "statement": "Exemption 1: A nonprofit organisation exempt under 501(c)(3) is not a producer.",
      "value": "nonprofit_501c3",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "does not include a nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501(c)(3)",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "exemption-nonprofit_501c3-apply",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#exemption-nonprofit_501c3-apply",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.exemptions[nonprofit_501c3].must_apply_for",
      "statement": "Maine: exemption 1 applies without an application.",
      "value": false,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "does not include a nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501(c)(3)",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "scope-channels",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#scope-channels",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.applicability.sales_channels",
      "statement": "Maine: the rules cover these sales channels: physical retail, remote sales, and other distribution.",
      "value": "physical retail, remote sales, and other distribution",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "\"Packaging material\" means a discrete type of material, or a category of material",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "transfer-allowed",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#transfer-allowed",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.transfer_rules.allowed",
      "statement": "Maine: a producer may pass the duty to another party under the rules.",
      "value": true,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "enters into a signed agreement with another person to assign the responsibility to act as producer",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-rev_below_exempt_revenue",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-rev_below_exempt_revenue",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:rev-below:exempt_revenue]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 1 (Revenue of $1,000,000: below the limit) the engine's result is below threshold.",
      "value": "below_threshold",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-rev_at_exempt_revenue",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-rev_at_exempt_revenue",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:rev-at:exempt_revenue]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 2 (Revenue of $2,000,000: exactly at the limit) the engine's result is more data needed.",
      "value": "needs_data",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-rev_above_exempt_revenue",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-rev_above_exempt_revenue",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:rev-above:exempt_revenue]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 3 (Revenue of $4,000,000: above the limit) the engine's result is more data needed.",
      "value": "needs_data",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-vol_below_exempt_tonnage",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-vol_below_exempt_tonnage",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:vol-below:exempt_tonnage]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 4 (Packaging of 0.5 short tons: below the limit) the engine's result is below threshold.",
      "value": "below_threshold",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-vol_above_exempt_tonnage",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-vol_above_exempt_tonnage",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:vol-above:exempt_tonnage]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 5 (Packaging of 2 short tons: above the limit) the engine's result is more data needed.",
      "value": "needs_data",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-vol_below_low_volume",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-vol_below_low_volume",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:vol-below:low_volume]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 6 (Packaging of 7.5 short tons: below the limit) the engine's result is more data needed.",
      "value": "needs_data",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-vol_above_low_volume",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-vol_above_low_volume",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:vol-above:low_volume]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 7 (Packaging of 30 short tons: above the limit) the engine's result is more data needed.",
      "value": "needs_data",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "case-all_above",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#case-all_above",
      "leafPath": "calc.owe[US-ME:all-above]",
      "statement": "Maine: for case 8 (Above every limit) the engine's result is obligated.",
      "value": "obligated",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
        "quote": "\"Producer\" means: (1) For a product contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using packaging material",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "registration-registry",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#registration-registry",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.registration.registry",
      "statement": "Maine: registration is made with Producers register with the stewardship organization (not yet contracted).",
      "value": "Producers register with the stewardship organization (not yet contracted)",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Within 90 days of the SO making a registration mechanism available, producers must register with the SO.",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "registration-who",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#registration-who",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.registration.who_registers",
      "statement": "Maine: registration is made by this party: The producer.",
      "value": "The producer",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Within 90 days of the SO making a registration mechanism available, producers must register with the SO.",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "organisation-model",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#organisation-model",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.organisation.model",
      "statement": "Maine: producers meet the duty through a single producer responsibility organisation.",
      "value": "single_pro",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Maine DEP to Revise Request for Proposals for Stewardship Organization. (September 11, 2026)",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "organisation-membership",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#organisation-membership",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.organisation.membership_required",
      "statement": "Maine: membership of an organisation is not required.",
      "value": false,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Maine DEP to Revise Request for Proposals for Stewardship Organization. (September 11, 2026)",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "organisation-ar",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#organisation-ar",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.organisation.authorised_representative.required",
      "statement": "Maine: an authorised representative is not required.",
      "value": false,
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Maine DEP to Revise Request for Proposals for Stewardship Organization. (September 11, 2026)",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "deadline-producer_report",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#deadline-producer_report",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.deadlines[producer_report]",
      "statement": "Maine: the reporting deadline is May 31, 2027.",
      "value": "2027-05-31",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Producers of packaging material will annually report to the SO by May 31.",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "deadline-producer_invoice",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe#deadline-producer_invoice",
      "leafPath": "US-ME.deadlines[producer_invoice]",
      "statement": "Maine: the payment deadline is July 1, 2027.",
      "value": "2027-07-01",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
        "quote": "Producers will be invoiced by July 1 and payment will be due to the SO by September 1.",
        "quoteLang": "en",
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "sections": [
    {
      "id": "answer",
      "heading": null,
      "kind": "answer",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"answer\"></a>\n\nUnder the rules we hold, Maine has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor. The size limit on record is $2,000,000, 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": "<a id=\"tool\"></a>\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": "<a id=\"how\"></a>\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 Maine. If you have not said, the checker asks first.\n2. Do you sell into Maine? 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 Maine?",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"producer\"></a>\n\n## Who is the producer in Maine?\n\nThe first question is whose duty it is. Maine assigns the duty by packaging level, and the table shows which roles count as the producer at each level.\n\n<a id=\"producer-levels\"></a>**Producer by packaging level in Maine**\n\n| Packaging level | Producer |\n| --- | --- |\n| primary (sales) packaging | [manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor](#level-primary) |\n\n- [Maine: for primary (sales) packaging the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor.](#level-primary)\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 Maine?",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"revenue\"></a>\n\n## Does revenue matter in Maine?\n\n> **Not yet published**: how revenue is counted: not yet published. Reason: Revenue basis for producer scope beyond the exemption threshold was not separately stated.\n\n> **Not yet published**: how affiliated companies are counted: not yet published. Reason: The definition does not state whether affiliates aggregate."
    },
    {
      "id": "thresholds",
      "heading": "Size limits in Maine",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"thresholds\"></a>\n\n## Size limits in Maine\n\nSome rules switch the duty on or off by size. These are the limits on record for Maine, each with what happens when you meet it.\n\n#### <a id=\"threshold-exempt_revenue-heading\"></a>The revenue limit: $2,000,000\n\n[Maine: the revenue limit is $2,000,000.](#threshold-exempt_revenue) [Maine: at the revenue limit of $2,000,000, the producer is exempt below it.](#threshold-exempt_revenue-effect) [Maine: the revenue limit of $2,000,000 applies to figures below it.](#threshold-exempt_revenue-logic) [Maine: the revenue limit is counted as follows: total gross revenue, prior calendar year.](#threshold-exempt_revenue-basis)\n\n> The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year\n>\n> Source: legislature.maine.gov: title38sec2146 (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Language: en\n\nParaphrase: The source sets the revenue limit at $2,000,000.\n\n#### <a id=\"threshold-exempt_tonnage-heading\"></a>The tonnage limit: 1 short ton\n\n[Maine: the tonnage limit is 1 short ton.](#threshold-exempt_tonnage) [Maine: at the tonnage limit of 1 short ton, the producer is exempt below it.](#threshold-exempt_tonnage-effect) [Maine: the tonnage limit of 1 short ton applies to figures below it.](#threshold-exempt_tonnage-logic) [Maine: the tonnage limit is counted as follows: packaging material sold into Maine, prior calendar year.](#threshold-exempt_tonnage-basis)\n\n> products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total\n>\n> Source: legislature.maine.gov: title38sec2146 (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Language: en\n\nParaphrase: The source sets the tonnage limit at 1 short ton.\n\n#### <a id=\"threshold-low_volume-heading\"></a>The tonnage limit: 15 short tons\n\n[Maine: the tonnage limit is 15 short tons.](#threshold-low_volume) [Maine: at the tonnage limit of 15 short tons, a reduced obligation applies.](#threshold-low_volume-effect) [Maine: the tonnage limit of 15 short tons applies to figures below it.](#threshold-low_volume-logic) [Maine: the tonnage limit is counted as follows: packaging material, prior calendar year; more than one ton and under 15 tons.](#threshold-low_volume-basis)"
    },
    {
      "id": "exemptions",
      "heading": "Exemptions in Maine",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"exemptions\"></a>\n\n## Exemptions in Maine\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#### <a id=\"exemption-nonprofit_501c3-heading\"></a>Exemption 1\n\n[Exemption 1: A nonprofit organisation exempt under 501(c)(3) is not a producer.](#exemption-nonprofit_501c3) [Maine: exemption 1 applies without an application.](#exemption-nonprofit_501c3-apply)"
    },
    {
      "id": "scope",
      "heading": "What the rules cover in Maine",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"scope\"></a>\n\n## What the rules cover in Maine\n\nA duty applies only to the packaging and the sales channels that the rules cover. This is what is on record for Maine.\n\n[Maine: the rules cover these sales channels: physical retail, remote sales, and other distribution.](#scope-channels) [Maine: a producer may pass the duty to another party under the rules.](#transfer-allowed)"
    },
    {
      "id": "cases",
      "heading": "Every case, worked through",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"cases\"></a>\n\n## Every case, worked through\n\nBelow, the same engine that powers the checker is run on a set of standard cases for Maine. 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#### <a id=\"case-rev_below_exempt_revenue-heading\"></a>Revenue of $1,000,000: below the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and your revenue is $1,000,000, half the limit of $2,000,000. The figure is under the $2,000,000 limit, so the engine returns below threshold: the exemption on record applies. [Result: below threshold.](#case-rev_below_exempt_revenue) Next: keep the figures that put you below the limit, and check again as you grow.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-rev_at_exempt_revenue-heading\"></a>Revenue of $2,000,000: exactly at the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and your revenue is $2,000,000, exactly the limit of $2,000,000. The rules for Maine set a limit that needs a figure this case does not supply, such as a different measure or unit, so the engine asks for more data. [Result: more data needed.](#case-rev_at_exempt_revenue) Next: supply the missing answer in the checker to get a result.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-rev_above_exempt_revenue-heading\"></a>Revenue of $4,000,000: above the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and your revenue is $4,000,000, twice the limit of $2,000,000. The rules for Maine set a limit that needs a figure this case does not supply, such as a different measure or unit, so the engine asks for more data. [Result: more data needed.](#case-rev_above_exempt_revenue) Next: supply the missing answer in the checker to get a result.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-vol_below_exempt_tonnage-heading\"></a>Packaging of 0.5 short tons: below the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and you supply 0.5 short tons of packaging, half the limit of 1 short ton. The figure is under the 1 short ton limit, so the engine returns below threshold: the exemption on record applies. [Result: below threshold.](#case-vol_below_exempt_tonnage) Next: keep the figures that put you below the limit, and check again as you grow.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-vol_above_exempt_tonnage-heading\"></a>Packaging of 2 short tons: above the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and you supply 2 short tons of packaging, twice the limit of 1 short ton. The rules for Maine set a limit that needs a figure this case does not supply, such as a different measure or unit, so the engine asks for more data. [Result: more data needed.](#case-vol_above_exempt_tonnage) Next: supply the missing answer in the checker to get a result.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-vol_below_low_volume-heading\"></a>Packaging of 7.5 short tons: below the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and you supply 7.5 short tons of packaging, half the limit of 15 short tons. The rules for Maine set a limit that needs a figure this case does not supply, such as a different measure or unit, so the engine asks for more data. [Result: more data needed.](#case-vol_below_low_volume) Next: supply the missing answer in the checker to get a result.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-vol_above_low_volume-heading\"></a>Packaging of 30 short tons: above the limit\n\nYour own brand is on the goods and you supply 30 short tons of packaging, twice the limit of 15 short tons. The rules for Maine set a limit that needs a figure this case does not supply, such as a different measure or unit, so the engine asks for more data. [Result: more data needed.](#case-vol_above_low_volume) Next: supply the missing answer in the checker to get a result.\n\n#### <a id=\"case-all_above-heading\"></a>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": "<a id=\"after\"></a>\n\n## If you owe: what happens next\n\nIf the result is obligated, these are the steps on record for Maine. You register, report and pay yourself; Instica prepares the figures and the files.\n\n[Maine: registration is made with Producers register with the stewardship organization (not yet contracted).](#registration-registry) [Maine: registration is made by this party: The producer.](#registration-who)\n\n[Maine: producers meet the duty through a single producer responsibility organisation.](#organisation-model) [Maine: membership of an organisation is not required.](#organisation-membership) [Maine: an authorised representative is not required.](#organisation-ar)\n\n#### Deadlines on record\n\n- [Maine: the reporting deadline is May 31, 2027.](#deadline-producer_report)\n- [Maine: the payment deadline is July 1, 2027.](#deadline-producer_invoice)"
    },
    {
      "id": "faq",
      "heading": "Frequently asked questions",
      "kind": "faq",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"faq\"></a>\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### <a id=\"faq-owe\"></a>Do I owe packaging EPR in Maine?\n\nUnder the rules we hold, Maine has a packaging EPR obligation, and the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor. The size limit on record is $2,000,000, so small producers may fall below it. The answer depends first on whose brand is on the packaging.\n\n### <a id=\"faq-producer\"></a>Who is the producer in Maine?\n\nAt the primary packaging level the producer is the manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or franchisor. The table above lists the other levels.\n\n### <a id=\"faq-limit\"></a>Is there a size limit in Maine?\n\nYes. The limit on record is $2,000,000; below it the rules treat you differently, as the cases above show.\n\n### <a id=\"faq-organisation\"></a>Do I have to join a producer responsibility organisation in Maine?\n\nMembership of an organisation is not required under the rules we hold.\n\n### <a id=\"faq-register\"></a>Will Instica register or file for me in Maine?\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### <a id=\"faq-legal\"></a>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": "<a id=\"estimate\"></a>\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": "<a id=\"review\"></a>\n\n[Our reviewers](https://instica.com/epr/reviewers)."
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "a producer is exempt from the requirements and prohibitions of this section in any calendar year in which:",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "\"Producer\" means: (1) For a product contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using packaging material",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "The producer realized less than $2,000,000 in total gross revenue during the prior calendar year",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "products contained, protected, delivered, presented or distributed in or using less than one ton of packaging material in total",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "more than one ton but less than 15 tons of packaging material in total",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "does not include a nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501(c)(3)",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "\"Packaging material\" means a discrete type of material, or a category of material",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec2146.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "enters into a signed agreement with another person to assign the responsibility to act as producer",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Within 90 days of the SO making a registration mechanism available, producers must register with the SO.",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Maine DEP to Revise Request for Proposals for Stewardship Organization. (September 11, 2026)",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Producers of packaging material will annually report to the SO by May 31.",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Producers will be invoiced by July 1 and payment will be due to the SO by September 1.",
      "quoteLang": "en"
    }
  ],
  "breadcrumbs": [
    {
      "name": "Packaging EPR",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr"
    },
    {
      "name": "Maine EPR",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/maine"
    },
    {
      "name": "Maine EPR obligation",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/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": "Maine EPR obligation",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/deadlines"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Maine packaging report template",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/updates"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "heading": "Related pages",
      "links": [
        {
          "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Malta",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/malta/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Manitoba EPR small business",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/manitoba/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Netherlands",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/netherlands/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "New Brunswick EPR obligation",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/new-brunswick/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Oregon EPR do I have to register",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/oregon/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees Québec",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/quebec/do-i-owe"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "alternates": [
    {
      "hreflang": "en-US",
      "href": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe"
    },
    {
      "hreflang": "x-default",
      "href": "https://instica.com/epr/maine/do-i-owe"
    }
  ]
}