Question 1

What is extended producer responsibility (EPR)?

Accepted Answer

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory framework that makes producers responsible for the environmental impact of their products and packaging throughout the product life cycle, including collection, recycling, and disposal.Under EPR laws, manufacturers, brand owners, importers, and packaging producers may be required to finance recycling programs, submit packaging reports, track material usage, and meet recovery or recycling targets.In the U.S., EPR regulations are expanding at the state level, particularly for packaging materials. Because requirements vary between jurisdictions, companies often need detailed visibility into packaging composition, material weights, and supply chain data to maintain compliance.

Question 2

Why is EPR compliance becoming more difficult?

Accepted Answer

EPR compliance is becoming more complex because regulations are expanding rapidly across jurisdictions while reporting requirements are becoming more detailed.Many manufacturers must now manage multiple EPR obligations simultaneously, each with different:Reporting deadlinesPackaging definitionsFee structuresData formatsMaterial categoriesThreshold requirementsAt the same time, packaging and supplier data is often inconsistent or incomplete. Organizations relying on spreadsheets, email-based supplier outreach, or disconnected compliance systems may struggle to scale reporting processes effectively.As EPR enforcement increases, companies face growing pressure to improve data accuracy, supplier engagement, and audit readiness.

Question 3

What data do you need for EPR compliance?

Accepted Answer

Most EPR compliance requirements depend on accurate packaging and product data. Companies may need to collect and validate information such as:Packaging material compositionPrimary, secondary, and tertiary packaging typesPackaging weightsRecycled content percentagesProduct quantities sold or distributedSupplier declarationsCountry or state-specific market dataBecause this information often originates from suppliers, manufacturers frequently need structured supplier engagement processes to support reliable EPR reporting.Without centralized data management, companies may experience reporting inconsistencies, compliance gaps, and increased administrative burden.

Question 4

How do I report compliance under EPR laws?

Accepted Answer

Companies typically report under EPR laws by submitting required packaging and product information through government reporting portals or producer responsibility organizations.The reporting process often includes:Collecting supplier packaging data.Validating material information.Classifying packaging according to jurisdiction-specific rules.Calculating packaging volumes or weights.Submitting reports within required deadlines.Maintaining audit-ready documentation.Many organizations are adopting EPR data management software to streamline these workflows and improve reporting accuracy across multiple jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the biggest EPR compliance challenges for manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest EPR compliance challenges is managing fragmented data across suppliers, internal systems, and regional teams.Manufacturers often struggle with:Incomplete supplier dataManual reporting workflowsInconsistent packaging classificationsLack of centralized compliance systemsFrequent regulatory changesLimited visibility into packaging compositionAs EPR requirements expand, these operational inefficiencies can increase compliance risk and make reporting more difficult to scale.Companies that centralize compliance data and improve supplier engagement processes are generally better positioned to manage evolving EPR obligations.

Question 6

What are the risks of inaccurate EPR reporting?

Accepted Answer

Inaccurate EPR reporting can expose companies to financial, operational, and reputational risk.Potential consequences include:Regulatory penalties and finesTime wasted on reporting resubmissionsIncreased compliance costsMarket access disruptionsDamage to brand reputationPoor data quality can also make it difficult for companies to demonstrate compliance during audits or respond quickly to changing regulatory requirements.Maintaining accurate, traceable, and up-to-date packaging data is becoming increasingly important as EPR enforcement grows.

Question 7

How can EPR data management software help?

Accepted Answer

EPR data management software, with Assent being the leader in this field, helps companies centralize the supplier and packing information needed to support EPR reporting.These systems can help organizations:Improve packaging data visibilityStreamline supplier engagementStandardize reporting workflowsReduce manual data collectionMaintain audit-ready recordsTrack changing EPR compliance requirementsImprove reporting consistency across jurisdictionsFor manufacturers managing multiple product lines or operating across several regions, scalable compliance systems can help reduce administrative burden while improving reporting accuracy. Assent streamlines your EPR packaging program with defensible supply chain data and actionable insights from our team of product sustainability experts.

Question 8

What are New Mexico PFAS labeling requirements?

Accepted Answer

Under New Mexico PFAS labeling requirements, manufacturers must label products containing intentionally added PFAS starting on January 1, 2027. The label must include a state-approved symbol and be visible prior to purchase. These requirements apply broadly to products containing intentionally added PFAS sold or distributed in the state, subject to specified exemptions.

Question 9

Which products are subject to PFAS labeling requirements in New Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Many products containing intentionally added PFAS are potentially in scope, including complex durable goods, unless specifically exempt.

Question 10

When do PFAS labeling requirements take effect?

Accepted Answer

20.13.2 NMAC is effective on July 1, 2026. The product labeling requirement applies after January 1, 2027, unless an exemption applies or the manufacturer documents compliance with corresponding labeling requirements enacted by another state.

Question 11

How can manufacturers ensure PFAS compliance for labeling?

Accepted Answer

To meet PFAS compliance requirements, manufacturers must identify PFAS in their products, collect supplier declarations, assess risk, and implement labeling processes across physical and digital channels. Many organizations rely on PFAS compliance solutions to centralize data collection, validate supplier inputs, and maintain ongoing regulatory compliance.

Question 12

What qualifies a product to be labeled “Made in USA”?

Accepted Answer

To make an unqualified “Made in America” claim, a product must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This means final assembly occurs in the U.S., and nearly all materials, parts, and processing are of domestic origin. If significant imported content is involved, companies should use a qualified claim (e.g., “Assembled in the USA with imported parts”).

Question 13

Why are “Made in America” claims facing increased enforcement?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement is increasing due to a 2026 executive order directing the FTC to prioritize action against deceptive U.S.-origin claims. Combined with existing rules that allow civil penalties, companies making unsupported claims face greater scrutiny, financial penalties, and reputational risk.

Question 14

How can companies ensure their U.S.-origin claims are compliant?

Accepted Answer

Companies should treat country of origin claims as a compliance process by collecting and validating supply chain data, documenting sourcing and manufacturing details, and aligning marketing language with evidence. Claims should be reviewed across all channels — including labels, websites, and marketplaces — to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

Why do compliance response times matter for distributors?

Accepted Answer

Distributors compete on trust. OEMs and Tier 1 manufacturers expect fast access to compliance data for RoHS, REACH, PFAS, conflict minerals, and much more. Slow or incomplete responses can lead to escalations, lost deals, or supplier delisting. Fast, accurate responses help protect revenue and customer relationships.

Question 20

How is Assent’s distributor compliance software different from manufacturer compliance tools?

Accepted Answer

Distributors do not create products or manage bills of materials. They manage compliance documents from manufacturers. Assent’s distributor platform is designed for document handling, not material rollups. It centralizes requests, matches them to verified declarations, and automates responses without adding unnecessary complexity.

Question 21

How does Assent help distributors prevent compliance issues before customers ask?

Accepted Answer

Assent shows compliance coverage across the entire SKU catalog. Dashboards highlight missing or expired declarations so teams can fix gaps early. Access to a shared network of supplier-submitted data reduces repeated outreach. This helps distributors stay audit-ready and deliver consistent, reliable compliance data.

Question 22

What are the phases of CBAM implementation?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is being implemented in two phases: a transitional phase and a permanent phase.The CBAM transitional phase runs from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 and requires EU importers to report the embedded greenhouse gas emissions of in-scope goods on a quarterly basis, without purchasing CBAM certificates.The CBAM permanent phase begins on January 1, 2026. From this point forward, importers must submit annual emissions declarations and purchase CBAM certificates to cover a growing share of embedded emissions, with full financial coverage required by 2034.

Question 23

What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU regulation that places a carbon price on certain imported goods based on their embedded emissions.CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring imported products face a comparable carbon cost to goods produced within the EU under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The regulation currently applies to carbon-intensive goods such as iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen, and requires importers to calculate and report emissions using defined EU methodologies.

Question 24

What is a CBAM certificate?

Accepted Answer

A CBAM certificate is a tradable unit that represents one tonne of CO₂-equivalent emissions embedded in imported goods subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.During the CBAM permanent phase, EU importers must purchase and surrender CBAM certificates annually to account for the emissions associated with their imports. Certificate prices are linked to the average EU ETS carbon price, and the number of certificates required may be reduced if a carbon price was already paid in the country of origin. Accurate supplier emissions data helps minimize certificate costs.

Question 25

Why are suppliers receiving more data requests from customers?

Accepted Answer

Due to increasing geopolitical uncertainty, shifting buyer expectations, and rapidly evolving regulations, suppliers are facing significantly more inquiries about their product and supply chain data. Some suppliers have seen up to a 500% year-over-year increase in requests. Managing this increase with manual processes or spreadsheets is no longer sustainable. AI-native technology and expert support are now essential for keeping up.

Question 26

How does Assent support suppliers in managing complex data requirements?

Accepted Answer

Assent combines AI-native automation with real human guidance. The platform simplifies data submission, allows you to upload data once and share it with multiple customers, and provides clear workflows. Meanwhile, supplier success specialists offer hands-on support, clarify requirements, provide training, and deliver supplier-focused education, turning overwhelming demands into manageable steps.

Question 27

What benefits do suppliers gain from using the Assent Sustainability Platform?

Accepted Answer

The platform acts as a central hub for responding to customer requests quickly and accurately. Assent specialists help suppliers get set up, navigate the system, configure catalogs and parts, and remove roadblocks. This leads to higher submission rates, fewer errors, and reduced workload, especially with tools like Request Manager, which allows suppliers to manage all data requests in one place,  even from companies not using Assent.

Question 28

How does Assent ensure ongoing success for suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s approach includes proactive issue resolution and continuous product improvement. Supplier success specialists help identify problems early, prevent repeated issues, and streamline workflows. They also gather real supplier feedback that guides updates to the platform, campaign strategy, and overall customer success approach, ensuring the system continually aligns with supplier needs.

Question 29

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 30

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 31

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.

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Category: Blog