PPWR Atlas › Countries › Austria

🇦🇹 Austria: PPWR Packaging EPR and Deposit Return

How Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) applies in Austria: the national extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, small-producer thresholds, eco-modulation, and deposit return system status. PPWR is directly applicable in Austria from August 12, 2026.

EPR scheme

ARA (Altstoff Recycling Austria), primary PRO. Multiple licensed systems available. Register via ara.at.

Small-producer threshold

Kleinstzeichner flat rate: ~€150/year for producers below defined weight thresholds per material. Confirm exact 2026 thresholds with ARA.

Eco-modulation

ARA implementing PPWR-aligned eco-modulation. Recyclability and PCR-based fee adjustments from 2026. Aligning with ACT-02 once adopted.

Deposit return system

DRS Deferred / Limited
Voluntary elements vary
Some voluntary deposit elements. Mandatory DRS for PPWR scope required by Jan 1, 2029.
ARA coordination
Limited voluntary / mandatory by Jan 1, 2029

Watch points

STRICTEST AR requirement in EU: zero de minimis. All non-resident producers must appoint an Austrian AR regardless of volume. Environmental Omnibus AR suspension (until Jan 1, 2035) NOT yet formally adopted, full AR requirement applies.

Indicative EPR fees (ARA 2026)

Base rate in euros per tonne before eco-modulation. Source: ARA 2026. Indicative, confirm with the PRO before filing.
MaterialEUR / tonne
Paper & Cardboard€208
Paper, Composite/Coatedn/a
Glass€108
Plastic, Rigid Recyclable€1,040
Plastic, Rigid Hard-to-Recycle€1,140
Plastic, Flexible Recyclable€1,040
Plastic, Flexible Non-Recyclable€1,140
Bioplastic / Compostablen/a
Aluminum€480
Steel / Ferrous€450
Beverage Cartons€1,020
Wood€20

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