Keep your listings compliant with EU and UK regulations
What you need to know
Staying up to date with local, regional and international regulations can be a challenge but we’re here to help you navigate the changes that impact your business, and to provide easier ways for you to get, and stay, compliant.
If you sell to buyers in France or Germany take a look through this article to find out how to stay on top of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. These apply to all sellers and are part of a Europe-wide initiative to protect the environment by improving waste management and stimulating innovation in recycling.
You can also take a closer look at the regulations that affect your business on our new Help page. Think of it as your one stop shop for all things regulatory. Visit Help page
EPR in France
Items sold in or into France are subject to EPR regulations, requiring sellers to add certain information to their account and listings. Specifically, you need to add your Unique Identification Number (UIN) to your Account Settings page, under Business Information.
Please update your information as soon as possible to ensure that listings covered by EPR regulations remain visible on eBay.fr, and to avoid eBay collecting any recycling fees paid on your behalf.
You can find more information about EPR in France on our Help page.
EPR in Germany
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations are EPR laws that apply to electronics and electrical goods sold to customers in Germany.
The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) regulates the environmentally responsible disposal of electrical equipment. If you manufacture or import items that are subject to these regulations, you’ll need to add your WEEE number to your Account Settings under Business Information when you offer an item for sale to Germany.
The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) regulates packaging materials for items sold to customers in Germany. If you’re selling items subject to these regulations, you’ll need to add your Lucid number to your Account Settings under Business Information when you offer an item for sale to Germany.
You can find more information and examples of products that are affected on our Help page.
Items containing hazardous materials
If you are selling certain items that contain hazardous materials to buyers in the EU or UK, you’re legally required to include the hazardous characteristics as a part of that listing. You can find this information on the item’s label or the accompanying documentation.
You’ll need to add this information to the item disclosures module (see below) when you create or revise a listing for any item containing hazardous materials. You can find more information on which items are affected on our Help page.
An easier way to enter your information
We’ve developed a quick and easy way for you to add the required information to listings for items that contain hazardous substances.
The new item disclosure module will appear automatically when you’re listing in categories that are potentially impacted, and will prompt you to add this information when creating your listing.
FAQ
What is EPR in France?
Under the EPR regulations, manufacturers, importers, and eBay business sellers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of the products they sell. Visit the Help page to find out if the new legislation affects your eBay business.
What is EPR in Germany?
The German Packaging Act (VerpackG, German EPR Law) and the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG, Elektrogesetz) affect business sellers whose items are sold to German customers. Visit the Help page to find out if the new legislation affects your eBay business.
What happens if I don't provide this information?
Listings on ebay.fr and ebay.de that are not compliant could be blocked at listing or removed.
When will I see the new item disclosure module?
You’ll see it when you list an item that potentially falls under specific regulations in certain countries. You can already use the module on ebay.de, and you’ll be able to do so on other eBay sites from mid-July.
Does this apply to me if I’m using the Global Shipping Programme?
If you are using the Global Shipping Programme to sell to France or Germany, you’ll still need to make your listings compliant with local regulations.