Question 1

What are EPR packaging laws, and why do they matter for manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging laws make manufacturers financially and operationally responsible for managing their packaging waste at the end of its life. Under these laws, producers must fund recycling, reporting, and waste management programs through Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).In the U.S., EPR is state-driven, meaning compliance varies by state. Manufacturers must track packaging data, report to the appropriate PRO, and pay eco-modulated fees based on recyclability and material composition.EPR laws support a circular economy, reduce landfill waste, and help manufacturers meet sustainability goals.

Question 2

How do manufacturers comply with EPR packaging requirements?

Accepted Answer

Compliance typically involves four key steps:Register and join the appropriate Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).Track and report the types, weights, and recyclability of packaging materials placed on the market.Pay PRO fees, which may vary based on packaging recyclability (eco-modulation).Meet recycling and content targets — for example, post-consumer recycled content in plastics and paper.Manufacturers must also monitor updates to avoid gaps in compliance across states. Using centralized EPR compliance software helps automate reporting and ensures data accuracy across jurisdictions.

Question 3

How can manufacturers prepare for EPR compliance and avoid penalties?

Accepted Answer

The best way to avoid EPR compliance risks is through proactive preparation and consistent data management. Start by identifying where your products are sold, what materials your packaging uses, and whether those materials are in scope for EPR programs. From there, establish internal tracking processes and join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) early.Manufacturers can also reduce costs and risk by designing recyclable or reusable packaging, centralizing reporting data, and automating updates across states as new regulations emerge. Investing in an EPR compliance platform helps ensure you meet reporting deadlines, maintain audit-ready documentation, and stay ahead of rapidly changing state requirements.

Question 4

How does Assent help manufacturers manage EPR packaging compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers simplify and scale their EPR compliance across multiple U.S. states. The Assent Sustainability Platform centralizes packaging data, automates reporting to Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and keeps you ahead of evolving requirements.With Assent, you can track material composition, calculate packaging weights, and generate audit-ready reports that align with state-specific EPR laws, from California’s SB 54 to Colorado’s HB 22-1355. The platform also provides real-time regulatory updates, so you’re never caught off guard by new reporting deadlines or scope changes.

Question 5

What are the Minnesota PFAS reporting rule requirements?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota’s final PFAS reporting rule requires manufacturers to report all products containing intentionally added PFAS that are sold, offered, or distributed in the state, including online sales. The rule covers a broad product scope, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE. Manufacturers must submit detailed product information, PFAS functions, and concentration ranges through Minnesota’s new PRISM reporting system. A one-time $800 fee per manufacturer applies, and most reported information will be publicly accessible unless trade-secret protection is approved.

Question 6

What is PRISM for PFAS reporting?

Accepted Answer

PRISM (PFAS Reporting and Information System for Manufacturers) is Minnesota’s online platform for submitting PFAS product data. Launched in January 2026, PRISM serves as the centralized system for Minnesota’s PFAS reporting program and is designed to support multi-state adoption in the future. Manufacturers will use PRISM to register, prepare submissions, report PFAS in products, request waivers, and manage trade-secret claims.

Question 7

What is the Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline?

Accepted Answer

The initial Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline is September 15, 2026. In the original rule, the deadline was July 1, 2026, but this was pushed back in an update published on April 15, 2026. This deadline applies to all in-scope products sold or distributed in the state. Beginning February 2027, manufacturers must report all new products containing intentionally added PFAS by February 1 each year. Ongoing re-reporting is not required unless a product changes, making it essential for companies to maintain a scalable, repeatable PFAS tracking process.

Question 8

What is Section 232 and why does it matter for steel, aluminum, and copper imports?

Accepted Answer

Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act allows the president to impose tariffs if imports threaten national security. Since 2018, this has led to significant tariffs on steel and aluminum, and in 2025, copper was added. Importers must now provide detailed supply chain data (such as country of smelt, cast, melt, and pour) to avoid duties up to 200%.

Question 9

How can importers stay compliant with Section 232 reporting requirements?

Accepted Answer

Importers should:Collect mill test certificates, certificates of analysis, or supplier attestationsEngage suppliers early to ensure smelt/melt data is availableUse trade compliance software to trace metals back to the smelterWork with compliance experts to interpret CBP updates and avoid costly penalties

Question 10

What are the risks of not complying with Section 232 tariff requirements?

Accepted Answer

If importers cannot prove the country of smelt, cast, melt, or pour, U.S. CBP may assume the material originated from a restricted country (such as Russia). This can trigger a 200% duty, shipment delays, or even having goods stopped at the border. Lack of documentation creates significant financial and operational risks.

Question 11

What changed in the 2026 EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) update?

Accepted Answer

The EU Council adopted revisions that postpone the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) while introducing simplification measures. Large and medium operators must comply by December 30, 2026, and small and micro operators have until June 2027. A new category of “downstream operator” was introduced, and certain small or micro primary operators may submit a simplified declaration instead of a full due diligence statement (DDS). These changes provide additional preparation time but do not reduce the regulation’s core due diligence and traceability requirements.

Question 12

What are companies required to do under EUDR by 2026?

Accepted Answer

Companies placing in-scope products on the EU market must demonstrate that their goods are deforestation-free as of December 31, 2020; produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production; and covered by a DDS. This requires tracing commodities to the exact geolocation of the plot of land, conducting a risk assessment, mitigating identified deforestation risks, and maintaining auditable supply chain documentation. Commodities in scope include cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya, and wood, along with many derived products.

Question 13

What are the risks of non-compliance with EUDR?

Accepted Answer

Non-compliance penalties are determined by EU member states and may include fines of up to 4% of total annual EU turnover, confiscation of goods or revenues, temporary exclusion from public procurement, and public naming of non-compliant companies. Beyond financial penalties, the most immediate risk is loss of EU market access. Without a valid Due Diligence Statement, in-scope products cannot legally be placed on the EU market.

Question 14

How should companies use the 2026 delay strategically?

Accepted Answer

The postponement to 2026 should be viewed as a strategic preparation window, not a pause. Companies should use this time to improve supplier engagement, close data gaps in traceability, implement structured risk assessment processes, centralize supply chain data management, and evaluate EUDR compliance software. Building traceability and defensible due diligence processes now will also strengthen readiness for related EU sustainability requirements.

Question 15

Why are supply chain regulations being delayed in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Regulatory delays are happening because governments are upgrading the systems used to collect and verify compliance data. For example, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and EU Batteries Regulation (EUBR) are being aligned with new corporate due diligence laws. These changes are designed to create consistent, digital, and enforceable reporting standards across markets — not to weaken or remove existing requirements.

Question 16

Do supply chain regulation delays reduce the amount of compliance data manufacturers need to report?

Accepted Answer

No. They’re becoming more structured. Regulators are harmonizing rules across markets, meaning manufacturers will soon be submitting similar types of product, material, and sourcing data through interconnected systems. Acting now helps ensure your internal data is organized to meet those future requirements smoothly.

Question 17

How can manufacturers use regulatory delay periods to strengthen product compliance and sustainability programs?

Accepted Answer

This is the right moment to test your data collection processes, train suppliers, and evaluate your technology stack. Investing in supply chain sustainability software or product compliance software can help you centralize supplier data, automate outreach, and prepare for a more digital reporting environment.

Question 18

What do current regulatory delays reveal about the future of global compliance?

Accepted Answer

The era of manual compliance and supply chain data management programs is ending. Global regulations are moving toward continuous, data-driven oversight where transparency, traceability, and verified reporting define competitiveness. Manufacturers that invest now in digital data management and proactive compliance will be better equipped to adapt to global sustainability rules and gain a competitive advantage.

Question 19

What is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a landmark law that prohibits products linked to deforestation from being sold in the EU. It requires manufacturers to perform due diligence to ensure products are:Free from deforestationCompliant with production country lawsSupported by a due diligence statementNon-compliance can result in product bans, legal penalties, and reputational damage, making EUDR adherence critical for companies exporting to or operating within the EU.

Question 20

How does the EU Deforestation Regulation affect supply chain sustainability?

Accepted Answer

EUDR raises the bar on supply chain sustainability by mandating extensive data collection and annual risk assessments. Companies must analyze deforestation risk factors, such as land use, human rights concerns, and traceability to the origin plot. This marks a shift from basic compliance to ongoing, risk-informed due diligence, reshaping responsible sourcing standards.

Question 21

What is a Digital Product Passport (DPP) and how does it support EUDR compliance?

Accepted Answer

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains detailed product information, including origin, materials, carbon footprint, and supplier data. While not mandatory under the EUDR, EU digital product passports streamline compliance by:Centralizing traceability dataEnabling faster, more accurate risk assessmentsSupporting proactive regulatory readinessAdopting DPPs gives manufacturers a scalable way to meet today’s EUDR requirements and prepare for future EU sustainability laws.

Question 22

Which products are in scope under the EU Deforestation Regulation?

Accepted Answer

The EUDR applies to both raw commodities and derived goods, including:Commodities: Cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, woodProducts: Leather, chocolate, palm oil, glycerol, rubber items, pulp, paper goods

Question 23

Why should manufacturers adopt Digital Product Passports now?

Accepted Answer

Proactively integrating digital product passports into compliance programs helps manufacturers:Stay ahead of evolving EU regulations like EUDR and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)Increase transparency and audit readinessReduce manual compliance burdens and future proof their operationsWith global regulations trending toward stricter responsible sourcing requirements, DPPs are a strategic investment for long-term compliance and competitive advantage.

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