Working with Compliance Schemes

What Are Compliance Schemes?

You have two options for meeting your EPR obligations: do it yourself through direct registration, or pay a compliance scheme to handle it on your behalf. Neither is obviously right for every business. This guide explains how schemes work, what they cost, and the three questions you need to answer before you decide.

Compliance schemes simplify EPR by consolidating administrative work, providing expert guidance, and managing Environment Agency interactions on your behalf.

Compliance Schemes vs. Direct Registration

Aspect	Compliance Scheme	Direct Registration
Who handles EA registration	Scheme	You
Who submits quarterly data	Scheme (you provide data to scheme)	You
Who calculates fees	Scheme	You
Who pays Environment Agency	Scheme (then bills you)	You directly
Cost structure	Membership fee + EPR fees	EPR fees only
Administrative burden	Lower	Higher
Support and guidance	Included	Self-managed

Who Should Use Compliance Schemes?

Compliance schemes are particularly beneficial for businesses under 500 tonnes annually, businesses without dedicated compliance staff, or businesses preferring outsourced EPR management.

Major UK Compliance Schemes

Several approved compliance schemes operate in the UK. The largest and most established include:

Valpak

One of the largest UK compliance schemes
Serves businesses of all sizes
Offers tiered membership based on tonnage
Provides additional sustainability consulting services

Comply Direct

Focus on small to medium businesses
Simplified pricing structure
Online member portal for data submission

Ecosurety

Emphasizes sustainability and circular economy
Offers packaging optimization consulting
Digital-first approach to member services

Paperpak

Established scheme serving diverse sectors
Personal account management approach

BiffPack

Focus on waste and resource management sector knowledge
Part of larger waste services organization

Verify Scheme Approval

Only use compliance schemes approved by the Environment Agency. Check the official EA list of approved schemes before joining. Unapproved schemes cannot fulfill your legal obligations.

How Compliance Schemes Work

The Process

You join the scheme: Complete membership application and pay registration fee
Scheme registers you with EA: Scheme handles Environment Agency registration on your behalf
You provide packaging data: Submit quarterly data to scheme (usually via online portal)
Scheme calculates and reports: Scheme aggregates member data and submits to Environment Agency
Scheme pays EA fees: Scheme pays EPR fees to Environment Agency from collective member pool
You pay the scheme: Scheme invoices you for your share of fees plus membership costs

Data Submission to Schemes

Most schemes provide online portals where you:

Enter packaging tonnage by material type
Classify materials and recyclability
Upload supporting documentation
Track submission status
View historical data

Deadlines for submitting data to schemes are typically 1-2 weeks before Environment Agency deadlines to allow scheme time for processing.

Choosing a Compliance Scheme

Evaluation Criteria

When selecting a scheme, consider:

1. Cost Structure

Membership fees: Annual or per-tonne fees
Minimum fees: Some schemes have minimum charges regardless of tonnage
Additional service costs: Charges for consulting, audits, or premium support
Payment terms: Upfront vs. installments

2. Services Included

Registration management: EA registration handled
Quarterly reporting: Data submission and validation
Fee calculation: Tonnage and cost calculations
Compliance support: Helpline or account manager access
Audit support: Assistance if EA audits occur
Advisory services: Packaging optimization guidance

3. Technology and Tools

Member portal: Quality and ease of use
Data import: Ability to upload bulk data
Reporting tools: Dashboard analytics and insights
Mobile access: App or mobile-friendly interface

4. Support and Service

Account management: Dedicated contact vs. general helpline
Response times: How quickly queries are answered
Training: Onboarding and ongoing education
Communication: Updates on regulatory changes

5. Reputation and Stability

Years in operation: Established schemes vs. newer entrants
Member base: Number and types of members
Industry specialization: Experience with your sector
Financial stability: Ability to meet long-term obligations

Get Multiple Quotes

Contact 2-3 schemes for quotes based on your packaging tonnage. Pricing and services can vary significantly. Most schemes provide free quotes and consultations.

Questions to Ask Schemes

What is the total annual cost for my tonnage level?
What services are included in membership?
How do I submit data to you?
What deadlines do you have for quarterly data submission?
Do you provide support if I'm audited by the Environment Agency?
What happens if my tonnage increases during the year?
Can I switch schemes if I'm unsatisfied?
Do you offer packaging optimization consulting?
How do you handle disputes or billing questions?
What payment terms do you offer?

Joining a Compliance Scheme

Application Process

Complete application: Provide business details and estimated packaging tonnage
Submit supporting documents: Business registration, turnover verification
Agree to terms: Sign membership agreement
Pay registration fee: Initial membership payment
Receive portal access: Login credentials for data submission
Attend onboarding: Training on scheme processes and tools

What You Need to Provide

Company registration number
Registered business address
Contact details for compliance manager
Annual turnover
Estimated annual packaging tonnage
Breakdown of packaging by material type
VAT registration number

Working with Your Scheme

Quarterly Data Submission

Your responsibilities when working with a scheme:

Track packaging data: Maintain accurate records throughout the quarter
Submit by internal deadline: Provide data to scheme before their cutoff
Ensure accuracy: Verify calculations before submitting
Upload documentation: Provide supporting invoices and specifications
Respond to queries: Answer scheme questions about your data promptly

Billing and Payment

Schemes typically invoice members:

Timing: After Environment Agency determines final fees (usually 30-60 days after quarter end)
Components: Your share of EPR fees + scheme membership fee
Payment terms: Usually 30 days from invoice date
Disputes: Process for challenging calculations

Communication and Support

Maintain regular contact with your scheme:

Report significant changes to packaging or business structure
Ask questions early rather than making assumptions
Attend scheme webinars or training sessions
Review regulatory updates sent by scheme
Provide feedback on services

Common Issues and How Schemes Help

Data Classification Uncertainty

Issue: Unsure how to classify packaging materials

Scheme support: Expert guidance on material classifications and modulation factors

Missing Documentation

Issue: Lack of supplier specifications for packaging weights

Scheme support: Advice on estimation methods and documentation alternatives

Tonnage Changes

Issue: Business growth causes tonnage to exceed estimates

Scheme support: Mid-year adjustments to membership tier and fee estimates

Environment Agency Audits

Issue: Selected for EA audit

Scheme support: Guidance on audit preparation, document organization, and response strategies

Switching Schemes

When to Consider Switching

Dissatisfaction with service quality or responsiveness
Significantly better pricing from competitor scheme
Need for services your current scheme doesn't offer
Poor technology or cumbersome processes

How to Switch

Review contract terms: Check notice period requirements
Choose new scheme: Complete application with new provider
Notify current scheme: Provide required notice (typically 30-90 days)
Coordinate transfer: Ensure continuous coverage with no gap
Transfer documentation: Provide new scheme with historical data
Settle accounts: Pay any outstanding fees to old scheme

Maintain Continuous Coverage

Ensure there's no gap between schemes. You must be registered at all times while obligated under EPR. Plan transitions carefully to avoid compliance lapses.

Scheme vs. Software vs. DIY

Approach	Best For	Pros	Cons
Compliance Scheme	Businesses under 500 tonnes, limited compliance resources	Full-service, expert support, minimal admin	Membership fees, less control
Compliance Software + Direct Registration	Businesses 500+ tonnes, tech-savvy teams	Automation, control, potentially lower cost	Requires software investment, more responsibility
Manual DIY	Very small businesses (50-100 tonnes), simple packaging	Lowest direct cost	Time-intensive, error-prone, no support

Key Takeaways

Compliance schemes handle Environment Agency registration and reporting on your behalf
Most beneficial for businesses under 500 tonnes or those without compliance expertise
Major schemes include Valpak, Comply Direct, Ecosurety, Paperpak, and BiffPack
Compare multiple schemes on cost, services, technology, and support
You still provide data to scheme; scheme handles EA interactions
Membership fees add to EPR costs but reduce administrative burden significantly
Switching schemes is possible but requires careful planning to maintain coverage
Schemes provide valuable support during audits and regulatory changes

Maximize Scheme Value

Actively engage with your scheme's support services. Many businesses pay membership fees but don't take advantage of consulting, training, and advisory services included in their membership. Ask questions, request guidance, and use available resources.