Extended Producer Responsibility in Hungary

Extended Producer Responsibility in the EU

The EU has adopted a circular economy strategy, meaning that materials and products should be kept in circulation as long as possible. Extended Producer Responsibility is a cornerstone of this strategy: it states that manufacturers and distributors are responsible for their products not only up to the point of sale, but until the end of their life cycle, including waste management and recycling.

In Hungary, this was realized by the introduction of an EPR system managed by MOHU, the Hungarian waste management agency. Its most obvious facets are an online reporting platform where manufacturers and distributors must register and then submit quarterly reports, and an EPR charge that is supposed to cover costs related to waste management and recycling. The charge is supposed to act as an incentive for companies to reduce waste and come up with more eco-friendly designs for their products and their packaging.

Who is EPR relevant to?

EPR is relevant to businesses that either create tangible goods or import them into Hungary.

• Manufacturers in Hungary
• Importers who first sell tangible goods in Hungary

EPR charges will apply regardless of whether the relevant goods are sold B2B or B2C, or used by the business itself.

Distributors who just resell stuff that was manufactured in Hungary or that they brought from a Hungarian company are not affected.

To make sure if EPR is relevant to your Hungarian business, ask your accountant.

Products and packaging

In Hungary, EPR charges are paid after a variety of commercial products and their packaging:

• Packaging materials (plastic, paper, glass, metal)
• Some disposable plastic products
• Electrical and electronic equipment
• Batteries and accumulators
• Vehicles and tires
• Paper for offices and for advertising
• Cooking oil and fat
• Textiles and furniture

EPR charges are adjusted from time to time (yearly). Before making a report, make sure to check current regulations. In 2026, the following charges apply:

Please note that these are the “general” EPR charges. Additional charges apply to manufacturers of specific products, such as vehicles or bottled wine.

What should you do about EPR in Hungary?

First, you should assess if you are required to pay the EPR charge based on the above. It is best if you discuss it with your accountant too.

If you are affected by extended producer responsibility, you will need to register with the National Waste Management Authority at OKIRKapu, using your Client Gate access. You must complete the registration before you start any activity related to products that create the EPR registration requirement.

You will need to submit quarterly reports related to your Extended Producer Responsibility in which you will need to indicate the types of relevant products and packaging and the amount of each in kg, in line with the above table. The reporting deadline is always the 20^th day of the month following each quarter, so April 20, July 20, October 20, and January 20. You will receive a bill from MOHU based on your report, which you will have to pay within 15 days. You can manage bills through the Partner Portal of MOHU.

Helpers Finance at your service

Helpers Finance offers accounting and bookkeeping services to small and medium-sized businesses in Hungary, focusing in working with foreign owners or managing directors, so we can help them navigate Hungarian bureaucracy. The Helpers Team has 20+ years of experience in administrative support to foreigners living, working, and doing business in Hungary, and we would be happy to help you too.