Introduction of an EPR-System - The approach of the legislators in Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Kenya

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmentally oriented approach based on the polluter pays principle. Anyone who introduces packaging or packaged goods into a country's market remains responsible for it until the end of the packaging's life cycle, including the time after disposal.

To introduce an EPR system in a country, legislators must establish fair and applicable regulations, overcome many hurdles, and make a lot of decisions:

• Is the system to be voluntary or mandatory?
• Which products will be included in the EPR system?
• Who are obliged companies and How can they pay into the system fairly?
• What different possibilities are there for establishing a PRO? the EPR system?
• How will the collection and recycling of packaging be regulated?

Three African countries - Egypt, Tunisia, and Kenya, and one Middle Eastern country, Jordan are in the process of introducing and implementing EPR systems and often face similar challenges during this process. The workshop will shed light on these experiences and offer the opportunity to benefit from the lessons learned by other countries.