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EPR Authorised Representative
for companies selling in foreign markets

Lappa serves as an EPR Authorised representative for companies that need a stable partner for registration, communication with schemes and ongoing reporting. This gives the organisation a clear way to meet EPR duties from day one.

01 point of contact
Work with a single EPR Authorised Representative instead of coordinating multiple local providers
00 local entities needed
Enter new markets without setting up local entities – your Authorised Representative handles all formalities
24/7 support
Rely on ongoing support for authority audits, queries and reporting duties in every covered country

Register with Lappa EPR authorised representative

Registration with the EPR scheme
Ongoing communication
Submission of EPR reports
Record management
Updates and renewals

Completing all forms, submitting documents and securing the EPR number.

Responding to regulator queries, receiving notices and maintaining contact with EPR authorities.

Ensuring that periodic and annual reports are completed accurately and on time.

Storing contracts, EPR numbers, letters from authorities and related documents.

Maintaining compliance when rules or templates change.

An EPR Authorised Representative fulfils duties on behalf of the company in the country where the EPR obligation exists. The responsibilities differ between EPR schemes, but a typical set of tasks as above

When Lappa acts as an EPR AR, the company receives support across these tasks through a defined workflow. The organisation can view documents, deadlines and reporting requirements through the same environment used for EPR reporting.

How the EPR AR service integrates with Lappa EPR Reporting Software

Data flows

The reporting software holds validated data for the EPR report. Lappa as EPR AR submits the final files.

Document storage

Registrations, EPR numbers and contracts with schemes are stored in one location.

Task coordination

Staff can track which responsibilities fall to the internal team and which are handled by the EPR authorised representative.

Many clients use both the EPR Authorised Representative service and Lappa EPR Reporting Software. The combination creates a consistent environment for managing all EPR duties. The reporting system supplies the data, while the EPR AR service completes the legal actions in each foreign market.

This structure helps companies remain consistent across multiple countries as their EPR duties expand.

Legal representation

Registration and documentation

Record retention

Updates on rule changes

Responsibilities carried by the EPR authorised representative

The EPR AR assumes responsibilities that would normally fall on a local legal entity. These responsibilities are defined in national legislation and may vary slightly from country to country. 

Lappa performs each responsibility with documented processes so that companies retain full visibility of the actions taken on their behalf.

The process of appointing Lappa as EPR authorised representative

1
Scope confirmation. Identify markets, product categories and expected EPR requirements.
2
Document collection. Gather company documents required for registration, such as certificates, power of attorney papers and contact details.
3
Local authority checks. Lappa confirms the relevant EPR schemes, rules and deadlines for each covered category.
4
Registration. Submit forms and secure the EPR number.
5
EPR AR appointment. Record the authorised representative status with the regulator.
6
Setup and Ready to go Connect data flows between your systems and the reporting environment.

Local consultant Lappa as EPR authorised representative

  • Documented process with clear tracking
  • Fully coordinated with Lappa reporting environment
  • Stored in one digital environment
  • Supported by a full compliance team

Local distributor vs Lappa as EPR authorised representative

 

Aspect Distributor or partner Lappa EPR AR service
Priority level Low, as EPR is not their core duty High, EPR compliance is the main duty
Experience Limited to their own products Broad experience across many categories
Reporting Often uncertain or delayed Timely and documented
Record management Inconsistent Centralised and monitored
Long term reliability Dependent on commercial relationship Service contract with defined obligations

Business impact of EPR when selling into foreign markets

Companies that sell into foreign markets without a local presence face specific operational and legal risks. These risks grow once they expand into multiple countries and categories. Lappa as an EPR authorised representative reduces those risks through structured processes, reliable submissions and clear communication with regulators.

Key benefits to senior staff include.

  • Predictable registration timelines

     

  • Clear visibility of EPR numbers, deadlines and scheme rules
  • Confidence that each EPR report is submitted correctly
  • Reliable record keeping for audits and reviews

Reduced dependence on distributors or partners for legal duties

EPR deadline

Learn more about EPR Categories

EPR for Electronics and Equipment

EPR Electronics & Electrical Equipment rules treat producers as responsible for the full life cycle of many electronic products

Read

EPR For Packaging

EPR Packaging rules place full life-cycle responsibility on producers for the packaging they introduce to the market.

read

EPR for Textiles and Footwear

EPR for Textiles and Footwear places a full life-cycle responsibility on producers for the textiles and footwear they introduce to the market

read

EPR compliance assessment report results

Cloe M.

Cloe M.

Global e-commerce brand – Head of Operations

Appointing Lappa as our EPR Authorized Representative removed a huge compliance headache. They consolidated reporting for multiple EU countries, keep us up to date on regulation changes, and our internal team now spends a fraction of the time on EPR.

Alex S.

Alex S.

Consumer electronics manufacturer – Compliance Manager

Before Lappa, we relied on local partners and spreadsheets. It was slow and error-prone. With Lappa AR we have one digital environment, clear deadlines, and transparent fees. Our audits are smoother and the board finally has confidence in the numbers

Jane L.

Jane L.

DTC cosmetics brand – Founder & CEO

We don’t have an in-house compliance team, so Lappa’s Authorized Representative service is essential. They explain requirements in plain language, take care of registrations and reports, and proactively flag any changes. It feels like having our own EPR department.

jake J.

jake J.

Household goods marketplace – Finance Director

Lappa’s AR service turned EPR from a risk into a routine process. The platform aggregates data from our systems, their team validates everything, and we sign off with full traceability. We’ve cut external consultant costs and reduced late-filing risk to near zero.

Frequently asked questions EPR how to report -

What is an EPR Authorized Representative (AR) in EU

An EPR Authorized Representative is a legal representative established in a specific country who is formally appointed to handle your Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations there. They register you with the correct schemes, file reports, and act as the point of contact for authorities. To apply press here

Do I need an Authorized Representative for EPR if I sell online into the EU

You typically need an AR when you sell into an EU country without having a local legal entity there and you fall under EPR rules (e.g. packaging, WEEE, batteries, textiles). Many online sellers shipping from outside the EU into countries like France, Germany, Spain or Italy fall into this category.

When is an EPR AR mandatory for packaging, WEEE or batteries

Several EU countries require a foreign producer to appoint a local AR for specific EPR streams such as packaging, electrical/electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. The exact rules differ by country, so Lappa first checks your markets and product types, then confirms where an AR is legally required and where it is just recommended.

Do marketplace / Amazon FBA sellers need an EPR AR in Germany

Marketplaces increasingly demand proof that sellers comply with local EPR rules. If you don’t have a German entity but ship to German consumers, you may need an AR and local registrations before the marketplace will accept your listings. Lappa can review your setup and tell you exactly what’s required.

What does an EPR AR actually do for us

Your AR will:

  • Register your company with the correct schemes and authorities

  • Manage contracts and scheme memberships

  • Prepare and submit EPR reports based on your data

  • Receive and answer questions from authorities

  • Keep you updated on relevant legal changes

Lappa combines this legal role with a structured reporting platform and a dedicated compliance team.

Who can act as an EPR Authorized Representative

The AR must be legally established in the country and formally appointed by you (usually via a contract and Power of Attorney). Some countries also set additional conditions (e.g. professional expertise, registration with authorities). Lappa works through local entities that meet these legal requirements.

Is my distributor the same as an EPR Authorized Representative

Not necessarily. A distributor may help in practice but is usually focused on sales, not ongoing compliance. An EPR AR is a formally appointed legal representative whose name appears in registrations and who is responsible for filings and communication with authorities.

Can a local consultant be our AR

A consultant can advise you but is not automatically an Authorized Representative. To act as AR they must be willing and legally able to take on that role, sign the necessary mandate, and handle registrations in their own name. Lappa’s service combines both: expert advice plus the formal AR mandate.

How do we appoint Lappa as our EPR AR

The usual steps are:

  1. Assessment – we review your markets, product categories and EPR exposure.

  2. Proposal & contract – you receive a clear country-by-country scope and pricing, then sign an AR agreement and Power of Attorney.

  3. Data setup – we map your ERP/commerce data into Lappa’s EPR model.

  4. Registrations – Lappa submits or updates registrations and confirms IDs.

  5. Go-live – we start handling your reporting cycles as your AR.

What documents and data are needed

Typically you’ll need:

  • Company details and registrations (legal name, VAT, address, UBO info in some cases)

  • Sales/volume data (units, weight, packaging types, product categories)

  • Existing scheme contracts and registration numbers, if any

Lappa provides a checklist per country so your team knows exactly what to prepare.

What happens if we don’t appoint an AR where it’s required

If you fail to appoint an AR where it is mandatory, authorities can treat you as non-compliant. This can lead to fines, back-payments, blocked shipments, or marketplace suspension. Using an AR like Lappa reduces this risk and gives you a clear compliance trail.

Who is liable for EPR – us or the AR

You remain the producer under the law and are ultimately responsible for accurate data and timely payments. The AR is responsible for correct filings and acting on your behalf locally. Lappa’s processes and validations are designed to minimise errors and give you a clear audit trail.

How is an EPR AR different from a VAT or fiscal representative

These are different roles:

  • A VAT/fiscal representative manages indirect tax obligations such as VAT reporting.

  • An EPR Authorized Representative manages environmental product obligations and reporting.

Many cross-border sellers need both; Lappa focuses on the EPR side.