What are EPR requirements for manufacturers?

EPR requirements hold producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, including end-of-life waste management. In the U.S., EPR laws often apply to packaging and require manufacturers to report recyclability, track substances of concern, and cover recycling costs instead of taxpayers.

How do EPR laws affect U.S. manufacturers?

EPR laws are expanding across more than 35 U.S. states. They create a fragmented regulatory landscape where requirements vary by jurisdiction. Manufacturers must adapt by building strong compliance systems, collecting supply chain data, and designing products with sustainability and recyclability in mind.

What is an EPR solution?

An EPR solution helps companies manage compliance and sustainability by automating reporting, centralizing data collection, and mapping obligations across multiple jurisdictions. The right EPR solution reduces costs, ensures market access, and supports long-term sustainability goals. Assent has an EPR solution that helps you meet your EPR deadlines and engage your suppliers for critical information required for Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

What steps should I take to get started with EPR compliance?

Manufacturers should begin by mapping which EPR laws apply to their products and packaging, building a reliable data foundation across their supply chain, and engaging suppliers to gather recyclability and substance data. From there, implementing an EPR solution to automate reporting and integrate compliance insights into product design helps ensure long-term readiness.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory approach that shifts the responsibility for managing a product’s end-of-life—from governments and taxpayers—onto the producers. Manufacturers are required to cover costs for collection, recycling, and safe disposal, and may also need to design products with sustainability and recyclability in mind.

Why should U.S. manufacturers care about EPR now?

EPR is no longer limited to the EU. The U.S. already has 146 EPR laws across 35 states, with packaging rules expanding rapidly in states like California, Oregon, and Colorado. Manufacturers face growing compliance fees, reporting requirements, and recycling targets, making it critical to build EPR programs now.

How can companies manage EPR compliance effectively?

To comply with EPR, companies need strong supply chain visibility, accurate materials data, and systems for reporting across multiple jurisdictions. Platforms like Assent simplify compliance by collecting supplier data, managing reporting workflows, and preparing documentation for Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

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

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%.

How can importers stay compliant with Section 232 reporting requirements?

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

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

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.