EPR system in the Czech Republic
Spis treści
In the Czech Republic, environmental reporting is handled through several systems. The ISPOP and ISOH platforms are used for environmental reporting, while packaging obligations fall under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. The EPR system ensures that businesses take financial and organizational responsibility for the packaging they place on the Czech market. One of the main organizations that manage this is EKO-KOM, which helps companies meet their recycling and reporting obligations.
If your business ships goods to Czech customers, you are considered to be introducing packaging into the Czech market. That means you may be required to join an approved EPR organization and report the amount of packaging associated with your products. Companies based outside the Czech Republic must appoint an authorized representative who handles these environmental responsibilities locally.
There is a small-business exemption for very low volumes. If your company introduces less than 300 kilograms of packaging a year and your annual turnover stays below 25 million Czech crowns, you are exempt from the main EPR obligations. However, you can still choose to register voluntarily if you want to demonstrate responsibility and transparency to your customers.
If your business also operates a warehouse or a pick-up point in the Czech Republic, you’ll need to follow waste management regulations as well. Every business is required to keep records of the waste it generates, even in small quantities. Submitting an annual report through ISPOP becomes necessary only once certain thresholds are exceeded — 100 tonnes of non-hazardous waste or 600 kilograms of hazardous waste per year.
What “registration” actually means in the Czech Republic depends on the nature of your business. For packaging, it usually involves signing a contract with EKO-KOM or another approved collective system and submitting quarterly reports showing the type and volume of packaging you place on the market. For waste, it means creating an account in the ISPOP system and filing an annual report only if your business goes beyond the legal limits.
It’s important to remember that there is no single EU-wide environmental reporting system. Each member state runs its own databases and compliance processes. The Czech Republic operates independently, so even if your business meets packaging and waste regulations in other EU countries, you’ll still need to register and report separately under Czech law.
Getting started may seem complicated, but once your company is registered with the right systems, compliance becomes routine. Partnering with an organization like EKO-KOM or appointing a trusted local representative can make the entire process easier and ensure your cross-border operations remain fully compliant and sustainable.
Environmental Reporting System in the Czech Republic – What It Is and How It Works
If you’re running an e-commerce business and planning to sell in the Czech Republic, it’s important to understand how the country’s environmental reporting system functions. Czech law requires companies to report certain data about packaging and waste — especially if they’re introducing products to the Czech market.
The Czech environmental reporting framework is based on two key systems: ISPOP (Integrated System for Fulfilling Reporting Obligations) and ISOH (Information System for Waste Management). These handle reporting on waste and other environmental indicators. When it comes to packaging, the system operates under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model. The largest organization managing EPR for packaging in the Czech Republic is EKO-KOM, supported by others such as ASEKOL or EKO-BAT, which handle specific material categories like electronics or batteries.
In practice, businesses active in the Czech Republic must use the relevant reporting systems depending on the type of activity they conduct. ISPOP and ISOH are used for waste-related reporting, while EKO-KOM and other EPR organizations manage packaging data and compliance with recycling obligations.
Scope and Purpose of the System
The main goal of the Czech environmental reporting system is to monitor and control the flow of packaging and waste — from the moment materials are placed on the market to their recycling or disposal. The information submitted by companies doesn’t just sit in a database; it’s actively analyzed by public authorities, verified against other datasets, and used to track environmental performance nationwide.
These obligations apply to specific types of businesses defined by law. For packaging, they mainly affect companies that introduce packaged products to the Czech market for the first time — including local producers, importers, and online sellers from abroad. For waste, reporting duties apply to any business that generates waste in the Czech Republic. The requirement to file an annual ISPOP report appears only once a company exceeds certain thresholds: 100 tonnes of non-hazardous waste or 600 kilograms of hazardous waste per year.
Having leftover cardboard or plastic wrap in your warehouse doesn’t automatically mean you have to register. What matters is whether your business formally introduces packaging onto the Czech market or generates enough waste to trigger reporting duties.
Connection to EU Legislation and EPR Principles
Czech environmental rules are built on the same EU environmental directives that guide regulations across Europe, including the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility. This approach makes producers responsible for what happens to their packaging after the product is sold.
In practice, this means that companies placing products on the Czech market are required to ensure that their packaging waste is collected and recycled. Most businesses do this by signing a contract with an EPR organization such as EKO-KOM, which handles collection, recovery, and recycling on their behalf. Companies report the quantities of packaging they introduce to the market — usually on a quarterly basis — and the organization ensures that equivalent volumes are recovered or recycled within the Czech system.
ISPOP serves as the state’s central reporting platform for environmental data, while organizations like EKO-KOM take care of the operational side: organizing recycling, verifying reports, and ensuring compliance with national targets.
Digital Operation and Monitoring
All of these systems are fully digital. From initial registration and regular reporting to data corrections or updates, everything takes place online. ISPOP automatically monitors deadlines and checks the consistency of submitted data. If something is missing or incorrect, the system sends notifications and can even trigger administrative checks.
EPR organizations such as EKO-KOM also verify the reports they receive, cross-checking data with their members and national databases to ensure full accuracy.
This digital infrastructure makes ISPOP and EPR organizations not only reporting tools but also active instruments of environmental law enforcement in the Czech Republic. For businesses selling into the market, understanding how these systems work — and staying compliant from the start — is key to operating smoothly, sustainably, and in line with EU standards.
Who Manages the EPR System in the Czech Republic
The Czech system for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) might seem “invisible” at first glance. It operates online, doesn’t require physical visits to government offices, and almost everything can be handled from your computer. But behind this digital setup stands a clear institutional framework — and understanding who’s in charge is crucial. These institutions shape how the system functions, how inspections are carried out, and how your company’s obligations are enforced.
For every entrepreneur — regardless of business size — knowing the main authorities behind the Czech environmental reporting system is the first step toward confident, compliant operations in this market.
The Ministry of the Environment and the CENIA Agency – The Core of the System
The Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic (Ministerstvo životního prostředí, or MŽP) is the main body responsible for developing and updating environmental laws and overseeing the country’s overall environmental policy. It defines the legal framework for reporting, negotiates regulatory changes at the EU level, and issues official interpretations of the rules.
The technical operation of the ISPOP system — the central platform for environmental reporting — is managed by CENIA, the Czech Environmental Information Agency. CENIA maintains the ISPOP platform, provides technical support, and ensures the smooth functioning of its digital tools.
In practice, most companies come into contact with CENIA when setting up their ISPOP account, recovering login details, or resolving technical issues related to reporting.
The Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP) – Oversight and Enforcement
The Czech Environmental Inspectorate (Česká inspekce životního prostředí, or ČIŽP) serves as the main enforcement body. It conducts inspections and checks whether businesses comply with the Waste Act and the Packaging Act.
These inspections may cover anything from waste record-keeping to the accuracy of data submitted to ISPOP or to an EPR organization such as EKO-KOM. The inspectorate can act on its own initiative or based on reports — from customers, competitors, NGOs, or even company employees. It can also cooperate with the Czech Customs Office if there’s suspicion of non-compliance involving imports of products or packaging.
EPR Organizations and Authorized Representatives
For businesses introducing packaging onto the Czech market — including online sellers from other EU countries — the most important partners are the EPR organizations. The largest and most widely used is EKO-KOM, though other sector-specific organizations also operate in areas such as electronics or batteries. These organizations manage contracts, collect quarterly packaging reports, and handle recycling and recovery on behalf of their member companies.
If your business is based outside the Czech Republic, you must appoint an authorized representative to handle EPR compliance in your name. This requirement is written into Czech law and is particularly relevant for foreign e-commerce sellers shipping directly to Czech customers.
Why This Knowledge Matters
Understanding which institutions are responsible for the Czech environmental reporting and EPR systems helps you navigate legal requirements more efficiently. Knowing who does what allows you to contact the right organization from the start, instead of wasting time asking the wrong authority.
It’s also the best way to avoid issues with missed deadlines, incomplete reports, or misinterpretations of the law — especially since Czech environmental regulations, like those across the EU, are regularly updated to reflect new EU directives.
Who Needs to Register for EPR
Registration in the Czech EPR system applies to a surprisingly broad range of businesses. Although it might sound like something that concerns only large industrial companies, in reality the rules also apply to microbusinesses, freelancers, and small online retailers — including those operating from abroad.
Any company that places packaging or products covered by Czech environmental laws onto the Czech market must register. It doesn’t matter how big the company is, or whether it has a local office. What matters is that its products — and their packaging — reach Czech customers.
For e-commerce sellers, this means that once your product arrives in the Czech Republic, its packaging becomes waste within the Czech waste system. Whether it’s a box, a padded envelope, or protective film, it counts as packaging introduced to the Czech market, and therefore you’re covered by EPR obligations.
Importantly, the requirement to register begins before you start selling. Czech law is preventive — companies are expected to register before they place any packaging or regulated products on the market. That means before you send your first parcel, sign your first shipping contract, or even launch a campaign targeting Czech consumers, your business should already be registered under EPR.
EPR obligations in the Czech Republic don’t just cover packaging. Companies placing electrical and electronic equipment (EEE/WEEE) or batteries and accumulators on the Czech market must also register and report under their respective systems. The small business exemptions (such as the 300 kg packaging threshold) generally do not apply to these categories, meaning registration is required from the very first import.
Real-World Examples
Imagine an online store selling handmade cosmetics across Europe. The products are packed in cardboard boxes, protected with eco-friendly filler, and shipped by courier to customers in the Czech Republic. Even though the business operates from another country, it’s still introducing packaging into the Czech market — which means it must register under EPR.
Or consider a bike mechanic based near the Czech border who regularly travels to Czech clients. During repairs, they use oils, lubricants, and spare parts, all of which create waste. Since that waste arises within Czech territory, the business must be registered in the system and comply with local waste rules.
A third example is a clothing manufacturer that exports garments to Czech retailers. Even without direct online sales to Czech customers, the company’s products — packed and labeled — still enter the Czech market. That alone makes it subject to EPR obligations.
The Boundary of Responsibility
Many business owners look for ways to avoid registration, hoping that responsibility falls on a supplier, logistics partner, or even the end customer. Unfortunately, under Czech law, that’s not how it works. Responsibility doesn’t automatically transfer to another party. The company that first places a product or its packaging on the Czech market is considered legally responsible for what happens to that packaging later — including its collection, recycling, or disposal.
In practical terms, this means that even if you work with fulfillment centers, operate under a dropshipping model, or use intermediaries, the obligation to register may still rest on you. If you own the goods and your business details appear on the sales documents, you’re the one considered to have introduced the product to the Czech market — and therefore the one accountable under EPR rules.
Awareness as the Foundation of Compliance
Understanding whether your business falls under the Czech EPR system isn’t a matter of opinion or interpretation — it’s a matter of knowing the law and how the system works. Czech authorities don’t take into account a company’s size or lack of awareness; they simply look at whether a product in packaging has entered the Czech market and whether the company responsible for it is properly registered.
Before launching your marketing campaign or rolling out your Czech-language store, take a moment to check whether your business is one of those that must register under EPR. Doing this early on will save you time, stress, and unnecessary administrative trouble later.
In the next section, we’ll walk through how to register step by step — in a straightforward, practical way that keeps the process as smooth and transparent as possible.
The Visible Fee
In the Czech Republic — as in many EU countries — there’s a rule known as the “visible fee” requirement. This applies to sales of electronic equipment and batteries. If you sell these types of products, you must clearly show on the invoice how much of the total price represents the environmental recycling fee.
In practice, this means adding a separate line on your invoice that specifies the environmental charge. The visible fee requirement applies to both B2C and B2B sales, ensuring that customers and partners can see exactly how much of the product’s price goes toward recycling and environmental management.
How to Register in the Czech EPR System
At first glance, registering in the Czech Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system may seem complex — especially if you’ve never dealt with Czech administrative procedures before. But in reality, with the right preparation, the process is quite straightforward and can be done entirely online. The key is knowing where to start and what information to have ready.
Where and How to Register
If your business introduces packaging to the Czech market, the standard way to comply is by signing a contract with a collective compliance organization, most commonly EKO-KOM. It’s also possible to choose another licensed recovery organization, but EKO-KOM manages the vast majority of registrations and is considered the market standard.
Companies that don’t have a registered office in the Czech Republic must appoint an authorized representative. This representative signs the contract with the compliance organization, manages reporting, and communicates with Czech authorities on your behalf.
The registration must be completed before you place your first packaged product on the Czech market. Late registration can lead to additional reporting obligations for previous periods, retroactive payments, and, in some cases, administrative fines.
What Information and Documents You’ll Need
Registering with EKO-KOM doesn’t involve any paper forms or physical signatures — everything is handled digitally. You’ll need to provide your company’s name, address, EU VAT number, and contact details for a responsible person. If your company doesn’t have a Czech business ID number (IČO), your authorized representative can supply theirs.
During registration, you’ll specify the types of packaging materials you place on the market — such as paper, plastic, glass, or metal — and estimate the approximate quantities for the coming year. These estimates help determine your recycling fees and reporting obligations.
If your business also places electronic equipment or batteries on the Czech market, you’ll need to include those categories as well. The registration forms often ask for WEEE categories (for example, IT devices, household appliances, or consumer electronics), the expected mass in kilograms, and projected sales volumes. You may also be asked to indicate your recycling and recovery rates for these product groups.
Registration Number and Access to the System
Once the contract is signed, your company receives an EKO-KOM client number — a unique identifier used for reporting and correspondence. This number functions as your internal EPR ID in the Czech Republic. It’s not connected to any registration systems in other EU countries; each operates separately under national law.
Reporting After Registration
Once registered, companies report through the EKO-KOM online system every quarter, providing data on the total mass of packaging introduced to the market, broken down by material type. These figures are used to calculate your recycling contributions, which go toward financing the Czech recycling and recovery infrastructure.
If your business operates locally in the Czech Republic and generates waste (for example, through warehousing or servicing), you may also have to report through the ISPOP system. However, this is only required if your annual waste exceeds 100 tonnes of non-hazardous waste or 600 kilograms of hazardous waste.
Why It’s Worth Doing Right Away
For most e-commerce companies, registering with the Czech EPR system is simply part of entering the market. Treating it as a standard compliance step helps you avoid future issues during inspections and demonstrates reliability to business partners.
In practice, this is an investment in peace of mind. Completing registration properly and submitting reports on time means no risk of penalties and full legal compliance — giving you the freedom to focus on what really matters: growing your cross-border business confidently and sustainably.
Obligations After Registration – Reporting and Record-Keeping
Registering with the Czech Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system is just the beginning. Once you’ve signed a contract with a compliance organization such as EKO-KOM, the real work starts — ongoing reporting and maintaining proper records.
This part determines whether your company is truly compliant with Czech environmental law. It’s not about ticking boxes once a year; it’s about consistent data management and monitoring the amount of packaging you place on the market.
For any e-commerce business selling to Czech customers, this means keeping track of packaging volumes from the very start and submitting accurate data to your EPR organization. When done properly, this record-keeping isn’t just a compliance tool — it also helps you plan logistics, forecast material use, and even optimize packaging costs.
What to Report and How
After registration, companies must report the mass of packaging introduced to the Czech market, categorized by material type — for example, paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, aluminum, or other metals. This includes both consumer packaging (such as boxes, sleeves, or bags sent to customers) and shipping or bulk packaging used for transport and fulfillment.
Reports for EKO-KOM are submitted four times a year on pre-set dates — typically in April, July, October, and January. EKO-KOM provides an online reporting panel where you fill in forms, input packaging data, and submit everything electronically. All calculations are based on your continuously maintained internal records.
Record-keeping can be done in any format — a spreadsheet is often enough — as long as it’s accurate and consistent with your invoices and order documentation. It’s good practice to note every packaging change, even minor ones, since small differences in weight can affect your quarterly reports and recycling fees over time.
Reporting to ISPOP – When It’s Required
Apart from EPR, the Czech Republic also operates ISPOP, a national environmental reporting system managed by CENIA. ISPOP collects reports on waste, emissions, and wastewater — but not packaging data.
Most e-commerce businesses selling remotely into the Czech Republic don’t have to report to ISPOP, because they don’t generate waste within Czech territory. The obligation applies only if your company has a physical presence in the country — for instance, a warehouse, pick-up point, or service center — and exceeds certain waste thresholds: more than 100 tonnes of non-hazardous waste or 600 kilograms of hazardous waste per year.
In those cases, an annual ISPOP report must be submitted online, usually by February 28 or March 31, depending on the reporting category.
It’s important to remember that EPR and ISPOP are completely separate systems. They use different platforms, formats, and deadlines. Not having to report in one does not mean you’re exempt from the other.
Record-Keeping as a Safety Tool
Maintaining accurate packaging records is the foundation of proper reporting. The best approach is to update your data regularly — monthly or even weekly if you process a high volume of orders. That way, when quarterly reporting time comes, you already have complete data sets and minimize the risk of errors.
It’s also wise to archive all supplier invoices and packaging purchase records. EPR organizations can verify your data, and if there’s a large gap between reported and actual figures, they may request evidence.
For cross-border operations, make sure your logistics partners and fulfillment providers supply packaging data that aligns with your records. In dropshipping or fulfillment models, clearly define how packaging information is tracked and communicated.
Quarterly reports cover not only packaging materials but also the mass and number of electronic devices and batteries placed on the Czech market. Businesses must keep detailed records of these as well — including invoices, import documentation, and category details. For batteries, the report typically requires specifying type (alkaline, lithium, or built-in) and net weight. Missing or inaccurate data can lead to administrative penalties.
Deadlines and Report Formats
EKO-KOM reports are submitted quarterly through the organization’s online platform, in a standardized table format. Each report is verified and archived within the system, and companies receive confirmation once it’s accepted.
If you’re required to report through ISPOP, the format is defined by the Czech Waste Act, and submissions are made exclusively online. ISPOP automatically validates the data — if there’s an error, the system won’t allow submission until it’s corrected.
Why Compliance Pays Off
Many business owners see environmental reporting as just another cost or formality. In reality, regular reporting and precise record-keeping act as a kind of insurance — not just against fines, but also against reputational risks.
Transparency in environmental compliance is becoming a real market advantage. Czech customers and partners increasingly value sustainability proof — certifications, recovery contracts, and recycling records. Having an active EKO-KOM contract and up-to-date reports isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s a signal that your business is professional, responsible, and trustworthy.
In short, good reporting isn’t a burden — it’s a competitive asset that strengthens your brand and keeps your business future-ready.
Penalties and Inspections – What Happens If You Don’t Comply
Like most environmental compliance systems in the EU, the Czech Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework has two sides. One is supportive — it helps companies handle their packaging and reporting obligations correctly. The other is enforcement — ensuring that businesses that ignore or neglect the rules face real consequences.
While EPR is often seen as a formality, its effectiveness comes from the fact that Czech authorities actively monitor, inspect, and penalize non-compliant businesses. For e-commerce sellers operating in the Czech market, failing to register, submitting reports late, or under-reporting packaging volumes can lead to serious financial penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
The most serious violation under the Czech Packaging Act is failing to sign a contract with an EPR organization (such as EKO-KOM) before placing packaged products on the Czech market. In such cases, authorities can impose administrative fines of up to 500,000 CZK (around €20,000). For small businesses, that’s a costly mistake.
If your company is registered but submits late or inaccurate quarterly reports, your compliance organization (for example, EKO-KOM) may apply additional charges or contractual penalties. Usually, the process begins with reminders and warnings, but repeated non-compliance inevitably leads to financial consequences.
For companies covered by ISPOP — meaning those with a physical presence in the Czech Republic that exceed waste or emission thresholds — the Waste Act allows fines of up to 1,000,000 CZK (roughly €40,000) for missing reports or submitting incorrect data.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming that a small scale of operations means no obligations. The exemption threshold in Czech EPR law applies only to businesses introducing less than 300 kilograms of packaging per year and generating turnover below 25 million CZK. For even a modest e-commerce operation, that limit can be exceeded surprisingly quickly.
Another common issue is “estimating” packaging data instead of maintaining accurate records. This often happens when companies lack proper tracking tools or underestimate the importance of precise reporting. However, discrepancies between declared and actual volumes are easy to detect — EPR organizations can cross-check your declarations with invoices, supplier documents, or transport records.
Businesses also sometimes forget to update their data after changing packaging types, increasing shipment volumes, or expanding their product range. These updates are essential. Failing to correct your records can result in underpayments or cause your reports to be formally classified as unreliable.
How Inspections Work
In the EPR system, the first layer of inspection usually comes from the compliance organization itself. EKO-KOM and similar bodies verify that your reports align with your sales documentation, packaging invoices, and other business records. They may also ask you to describe your packaging and logistics processes in more detail.
Beyond that, the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP) is responsible for official enforcement. It can inspect both Czech-based companies and foreign businesses selling into the Czech market. For ISPOP-related obligations, ČIŽP uses system data to identify irregularities and may perform online document audits or on-site inspections of facilities such as warehouses or service centers.
Typically, an inspection starts with a formal request for clarification or additional documentation. If your response doesn’t resolve the issue, inspectors may conduct a deeper review, including analysis of your correspondence, transport documentation, and, in some cases, physical site visits.
Why It’s Smarter to Act Early
The Czech EPR system doesn’t have a single automated database that cross-checks all sales and packaging data. However, authorities and compliance organizations share information with other government bodies — including customs and tax offices. This means inconsistencies can surface months or even years later.
That’s why experienced cross-border sellers follow one golden rule: clarify your obligations before you start selling. Checking your EPR status early and registering before sending your first shipment is always cheaper, easier, and safer than trying to correct non-compliance after an inspection.
Taking a proactive approach not only protects you from fines but also shows your partners and customers that you take responsibility seriously — an increasingly valuable reputation asset in today’s sustainability-driven market.
Conclusion
The EPR and ISPOP systems in the Czech Republic aren’t just another layer of bureaucracy — they’re a practical part of running a legal and responsible business in this market. In e-commerce, where things move fast — from order to shipment to returns — environmental compliance can easily be overlooked. But in the Czech Republic, packaging and waste obligations are not optional. They’re written directly into law and actively enforced by both recovery organizations and the Czech environmental authorities.
Delaying registration with an organization like EKO-KOM, submitting reports late, or failing to maintain accurate records can all lead to significant financial penalties. In serious cases, companies may even face a ban on placing packaging on the Czech market. For any brand built on trust and partnerships, such violations can damage credibility and slow business growth.
That’s why it pays to act early. The sooner you get your EPR obligations in order, the less risk and stress you’ll face later. You don’t need to memorize every legal detail — but you do need to make sure that:
– you’re registered with the right organization and have an active contract in place,
– your packaging data is up to date and tracked consistently,
– and your reports are filed on time and in the correct format.
If this still feels complicated, you don’t have to figure it out alone. There are expert consultants and authorized representatives in the Czech Republic who can take care of the entire process for you — registration, reporting, and communication with the authorities. And yes, you’ve just been reading the blog of one of them. We’ll be happy to help you get your EPR registration done smoothly and correctly — just reach out to us.
Don’t put it off. Czech authorities rarely send reminders, and inspections can start automatically or even as a result of third-party reports. Selling products without meeting local compliance requirements is always a risk — and one that can get expensive quickly.
Take care of your company’s Czech environmental compliance today. It’s a small effort compared to the benefits it brings: peace of mind, no fines, no risk of restrictions, and the freedom to grow confidently in one of Central Europe’s most dynamic e-commerce markets.
