The European Commission has rejected calls from the European Parliament to suspend the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme introduced under the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The scheme requires pharmaceutical and cosmetics producers to cover at least 80% of the costs of removing micropollutants from wastewater.
In its response, the Commission defended its cost estimates and confirmed that it will issue guidance on the EPR payment model, with particular attention to safeguards for the affordability, availability and accessibility of medicines. It also argued that suspending the scheme would create uncertainty for industry and public authorities.
The Commission’s response maintains the direction of the legislation, although legal proceedings challenging the inclusion of the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors are ongoing.
EurEau continues to support the implementation of EPR in line with the polluter pays principle. Producers placing products containing polluting substances on the market should contribute to the costs of removing the resulting pollution, rather than passing these costs on to water services and their customers.