EPR Authorized Representative in 5 Steps

A company that is not established in France and is subject to Extended Producer Responsibility generally needs to appoint an Authorized Representative established on French territory.

Seen from abroad, that process can look complicated. With Ekovio, it comes down to five steps, and none of them require a lawyer on retainer.

This article walks through why the representative is required in the first place, then each of the five steps, with screenshots of what you’ll actually see on the Ekovio platform.

Summarize this article with:

🎯 TL;DR: The 5 Steps at a Glance

1. Create your Ekovio account, no credit card needed.
2. Enter your company information (legal name, country of establishment, products sold in France).
3. Join the EPR scheme, or schemes, that apply to your products.
4. Sign the Authorized Representative mandate electronically.
5. Stay compliant over time as your declarations and volumes evolve.

⚖️ Why Appoint an Authorized Representative?

Since July 10, 2026, Article L. 541-10-9-1 of the French Environmental Code requires any company subject to EPR that is not established in France to appoint a representative established in France. The obligation applies to companies established in another EU country as well as to companies established outside the EU. Our dedicated article on this obligation covers the full detail.

At the European level, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) reinforces this framework. Applicable from August 12, 2026, it also provides under Article 45 for the appointment of an authorized representative for EPR in certain cross-border packaging situations. France effectively anticipated this European requirement, with its own rule taking effect over a month earlier.

At Ekovio, closing that gap runs in five steps.

1️⃣ Step 1: Create Your Ekovio Account

The first step is to create your account on the Ekovio platform. No credit card is required to get started, and creating the account itself takes only a few minutes.

This account gives you immediate access to your EPR management dashboard, the single place where you’ll manage your entire EPR compliance in France: your company information, the schemes that apply to you, your Authorized Representative mandate, and your declarations.

2️⃣ Step 2: Enter Your Company Information

Once your account is created, you enter your company’s information: legal name, country of establishment, registration number, main contact details, and billing details. You also specify the categories of products you sell in France, so the applicable EPR schemes can be determined.

This information confirms your producer status under French EPR rules and verifies that your company isn’t established in France, which is what triggers the representative requirement in the first place.

3️⃣ Step 3: Join an EPR Scheme

Depending on the products you sell, your company may be subject to one or several EPR schemes: household packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, textiles, batteries, furniture, or other schemes provided for by the French Environmental Code. Check the list of EPR schemes in France and Europe to identify which ones apply to your business.

For the household packaging scheme, several eco-organizations are approved, including Citeo and Léko. Ekovio helps you choose and join the eco-organization best suited to your business, then handles your membership and obtains your Unique Identifier (IDU) with each relevant eco-organization once the applicable scheme or schemes are identified.

4️⃣ Step 4: Sign the Authorized Representative Mandate

Appointing an Authorized Representative has to be formalized through a written mandate, as required by the French Environmental Code. This mandate defines the exact scope of the obligations entrusted to Ekovio: the schemes covered, memberships, declarations, follow-up of eco-contributions, and exchanges with eco-organizations.

The mandate is signed electronically, directly from your Ekovio dashboard, and once signed, it’s submitted to the relevant eco-organizations. You can choose to delegate your entire EPR management to Ekovio, or appoint us solely as your Authorized Representative while keeping the management of your data and declarations in-house.

5️⃣ Step 5: Stay Compliant With European Law

Once your Authorized Representative is appointed, your company is compliant with the requirement set out in the French Environmental Code. That compliance then has to be maintained over time: declaring the volumes you place on the market, paying the corresponding eco-contributions, and updating your information whenever your business changes.

The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), applicable from August 12, 2026, also provides under Article 45 for the appointment of an authorized representative for EPR in certain cross-border situations. Ekovio tracks these regulatory developments for you and adapts your compliance accordingly, in France and across Europe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the Authorized Representative in 5 Steps

How long does it take to become compliant with Ekovio?

Creating your account and entering your company information takes only a few minutes. The overall timeline then depends on the schemes involved and the processing times of each eco-organization.

Do I have to delegate my entire EPR management to Ekovio?

No. You can appoint Ekovio solely as your Authorized Representative and keep operational management of your data and declarations.

What if my company is subject to several EPR schemes?

The Authorized Representative mandate can cover several schemes. Each scheme still requires its own membership and follow-up.

Can I switch eco-organizations after my first membership?

Yes, subject to the contractual conditions in force. Ekovio can support you through this transition, whichever eco-organization you choose.

Start Your Compliance Journey in 5 Steps

Appointing an Authorized Representative in France doesn’t take weeks of paperwork. With Ekovio, five steps are enough: create your account, enter your company details, join the applicable scheme or schemes, sign your mandate, and stay compliant with French and European law.

Create your Ekovio account to start your compliance journey today.