What large producers should check before the 1 October EPR reporting deadline

Preparing your submission involves more than simply gathering figures. Changes to packaging materials, product lines, suppliers, or packaging weights throughout the year can all affect the data you need to report. Taking the time to review your information before submitting can help ensure your records are complete, accurate, and up to date.

In this guide, we’ll outline the key checks large producers should make before the 1 October deadline, along with practical tips to help streamline the reporting process and improve confidence in your packaging data.

Which businesses need to report by 1 October

The 1 October deadline applies to UK businesses classed as large producers under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging regulations. If your organisation meets the criteria for a large producer, you’ll need to report packaging data twice a year.

You are generally considered a large producer if your business:

• Has an annual turnover of £2 million or more
• Handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging in a calendar year
• Carries out packaging activities, such as supplying packaged goods, importing packaged products, or packaging goods for sale in the UK

The 1 October submission covers packaging supplied or imported between 1 January and 30 June. Your report should include accurate information on the packaging you’ve placed on the UK market during this period, using the classifications required under the EPR regulations.

If your business has introduced new products, changed packaging materials or updated packaging specifications during the first half of the year, make sure these changes are reflected in your submission before the deadline.

Checklist: 7 things to review before submitting your data

Submitting your EPR data accurately starts with having the right information. Before the 1 October deadline, work through the following checks to help ensure your report is complete and compliant.

1. Confirm you’re reporting the correct period

The 1 October reporting deadline covers packaging supplied or imported between 1 January and 30 June. Make sure you’re only reporting data for this period and avoid including packaging from the second half of the year, as this will be submitted separately.

2. Review your packaging data quality

Accurate data is essential for meeting your EPR obligations. Take the time to verify:

• Packaging weights
• Material types
• Packaging categories

Ensure your records reflect the packaging you’ve placed on the UK market. Reviewing your data now can help identify inconsistencies or missing information before submission.

3.  Check supplier information

If you rely on packaging suppliers for specifications, confirm you’re using the latest information available. Material changes, updated packaging weights, or revised product specifications should all be reflected in your EPR data.

Maintaining up-to-date supplier records can make reporting more straightforward and improve accuracy.

4. Look for packaging changes made this year

Think back to any changes made during the first half of the year. For example, have you:

• Introduced new products?
• Switched packaging materials?
• Reduced packaging weight?
• Redesigned transit or secondary packaging?
• Started using a new packaging supplier?

Any changes that affect the packaging you place on the market should be captured in your submission.

5. Ensure internal teams are aligned

EPR reporting often requires input from several departments. Before submitting your data, check that relevant teams, including procurement, operations, sustainability, finance, and compliance, have reviewed the information and confirmed it’s accurate.

Good communication can help prevent gaps or duplicated data.

6. Double-check data classifications

Packaging should be classified correctly under the EPR reporting requirements. This includes distinguishing between household and non-household packaging, identifying imported packaging where applicable, and ensuring reusable or self-packed packaging has been categorised appropriately.

Reviewing classifications carefully can help avoid reporting errors.

7. Leave time for corrections

Avoid leaving your submission until the last minute. Completing your review well before the deadline gives you time to correct any errors, gather missing information, and complete internal approvals. A little extra preparation can help make the submission process much smoother.

How better packaging data supports better packaging decisions

While collecting packaging data is essential for EPR compliance, it can also provide valuable insights into your packaging strategy. Reviewing your packaging information regularly helps you build a clearer picture of the materials you use, where improvements can be made and how your packaging performs across your product range.

Accurate packaging data can help businesses to:

• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary packaging
• Spot heavier packaging formats that could be optimised
• Improve material efficiency and reduce waste
• Support wider sustainability and ESG objectives
• Make informed decisions that may help manage future EPR costs

Rather than treating EPR reporting as a standalone compliance task, businesses can use the process to better understand their packaging and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Working closely with a knowledgeable packaging supplier can make this even easier. By providing accurate packaging specifications, material expertise and guidance on packaging optimisation, suppliers like Swiftpak can help businesses not only meet their reporting obligations but also make smarter packaging decisions for the future.

How Swiftpak helps businesses prepare for EPR

Preparing for EPR reporting starts with having accurate, reliable packaging information. As a packaging supplier, Swiftpak works closely with customers to provide the product specifications and technical knowledge needed to support more accurate reporting.

Whether you’re reviewing existing packaging or introducing new products, Swiftpak can help by:

• Providing detailed packaging specifications and material information
• Supporting packaging reviews to identify opportunities for optimisation
• Recommending packaging solutions that balance performance and sustainability
• Helping reduce unnecessary packaging where appropriate
• Sharing guidance and resources to help customers stay informed about EPR requirements

While businesses remain responsible for submitting their own EPR data, having access to accurate packaging information can simplify the reporting process and support better decision-making throughout the year.

If you’re preparing for the 1 October reporting deadline, Swiftpak’s team is on hand to help you review your packaging requirements and find solutions that support both compliance and your wider sustainability goals.

Take the next step towards EPR compliance

With the 1 October EPR reporting deadline approaching, now is the time to review your packaging data and ensure everything is accurate, complete, and ready for submission. Carrying out these checks in advance can help reduce the risk of errors, avoid last-minute pressure, and make the reporting process more efficient.

Beyond meeting your compliance obligations, accurate packaging data can also provide valuable insights that support better packaging decisions, improved sustainability, and greater operational efficiency.

If you’re looking to optimise your packaging or need accurate packaging information to support your EPR reporting, Swiftpak is here to help. Our team can provide expert guidance, detailed packaging specifications, and practical solutions to help you prepare for the reporting deadline with confidence.

Get in touch with Swiftpak today to discuss your packaging requirements and discover how we can support your EPR journey.