Under Defra guidance, 1 October is the critical annual compliance deadline for large producers under the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging regulations.

H1 Data Submission Deadline

Large producers must report detailed packaging data for the first half of the calendar year (H1: 1 January to 30 June 2026) by 1 October 2026. This requires uploading material weights, packaging types (primary, secondary, or transit), and recyclability classifications via Defra’s Report Packaging Data (RPD) service.

Annual Registration & Fees

By 1 October, large producers must also submit their annual registration (or renewal) application for the upcoming obligation year. This includes paying the annual regulator fee to the correct environmental authority (e.g., Environment Agency) or compliance scheme. Applications must be finalised by an approved person within the business. Failure to submit accurate H1 data or complete registration by 1 October incurs fixed financial penalties and risks regulatory enforcement.