Croatia

Do you have to appoint an authorized representative for EPR in Croatia?

Companies that place packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, and batteries on the Croatian market are required to comply with a range of legal obligations under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in Croatia. Foreign entities cannot fulfil these obligations on their own – they must appoint an authorized EPR representative in Croatia.

If you sell the above-mentioned products and packaging to individual customers from Croatia using:

• your own online store,
• sales platforms (e.g. Zalando, eBay, Etsy),
• other distance selling channels…

…you are required to meet your EPR obligations by appointing an authorised representative.

Interzero provides professional authorized representative services to all entities that place packaging and packaged products on the Croatian market. Entrust us with your obligations and become one of our many satisfied clients.

What responsibilities will Interzero assume as your authorized representative in Croatia?

As your authorized EPR representative in Croatia, Interzero will manage all responsibilities assigned to producers under local regulations. Once you sign a contract with us, we will:

• register your company in the Croatian register of extended producer responsibility (EPRR),
• submit monthly reports on the quantities of packaging and products your company placed in the Croatian market,
• calculate and remit waste management fees on your behalf to the Croatian Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency (FZOEU),
• represent your company before Croatian authorities in all matters concerning EPR obligations.

This ensures that your products can be sold in Croatia legally, safely, and in full compliance with all applicable regulations.

Why choose Interzero? Our expertise in EPR in Croatia and EU

Complying with EPR regulations in individual EU member states can be a significant challenge for businesses. At Interzero, we want to support every company in fulfilling these obligations, which is why we offer professional, expert and comprehensive services in the field of EPR in Croatia and 29 other countries, and act as an authorized representative, representing our clients in 30 European markets.

In Croatia, we act as a legal entity and represent:

• producers,
• importers and
• entrepreneurs conducting intra-community deliveries of packaging and products.

We make sure that your company meets all the requirements of local EPR regulations. With us, you can do business legally, safely and without legal or financial risk.

How do I appoint an authorized representative for EPR in Croatia?

To simplify compliance with Croatian EPR regulations, we have developed an online portal that enables you to quickly calculate the cost of our service and easily sign a contract. Choosing Interzero, you can take care of all the formalities in just a few minutes without leaving your home or office!

To appoint Interzero as your authorised representative:

1. Create a free company account at EPR Interzero.
2. Enter the types and quantities of packaging and products you intend to place on the market to calculate your contract cost
3. Confirm your data and generate a contract.
4. Sign the contract and upload it to your customer account at EPR Interzero.

That’s all it takes. Now you can focus on growing your business without any worries, while we take care of all your obligations in an efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly manner.

Authorized representative for EPR in Croatia – frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about EPR regulations in Croatia and the authorized representative for EPR in Croatia.

Who is the authorized representative?

The authorized representative for EPR in Croatia is a natural or legal person who is registered in the Croatian register of extended producer responsibility and takes over full responsibility from a foreign company for the fulfillment of EPR obligations in Croatia regarding individual product categories (packaging, products in packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries).

The authorized representative is appointed by contract. Go to the website of EPR Interzero and sign a contract with us in a few simple steps!

From the moment the contract becomes valid, the authorized representative begins to perform all EPR obligations in Croatia on behalf of the foreign company. The scope of their responsibilities and the remuneration for their services depend on the type and quantity of products and packaging being brought onto the Croatian market. Create a free account for your company and calculate the cost of your contract. 

Which companies must have an authorized representative for EPR in Croatia

All companies that:

• are not based in Croatia,
• place packaging, packaged products, electrical and electronic equipment or batteries and accumulators on the Croatian market as part of their business activities,
• sell the aforementioned products to private customers (natural persons) in Croatia through distance-selling channels (phone, online shop, mail order, TV).

Operating contrary to EPR regulations can result in severe penalties!

What is the reason for the obligation to appoint an authorized representative for EPR in Croatia?

The obligation to appoint an authorized representative in Croatia is based on several national legal acts:

• packaging and packaged products – Ordinance on packaging and waste packaging, single-use plastic products and fishing gear containing plastic (OG 137/23),
• batteries and accumulators, electrical and electronic equipment – Ordinance on the management of special categories of waste in the Fund system (OG 124/23),
• general provisions – Waste management act (OG 84/21, 142/23).

The EPR regulations in Croatia and other member states have been implemented in accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008, on waste and repealing certain Directives.

Who is a producer according to the Croatian EPR regulations?

According to the definition in the Croatian EPR regulations, a producer is a legal or natural person – a craftsman, or a natural person who develops, produces, transforms, processes, sells, coveys across state lines, or imports, that is, places the products, and/or devices, and/or equipment on the Croatian market.

For example – an online platform (marketplace) that provides services for the sale and purchase of packaged products and deliver to Croatian market is also considered a producer for all producers who sell through this platform and have not fulfilled their legal obligations and did not registered in the Extended Producer Responsibility Register (hr. Registar proizvođača s proširenom odgovornošću, RPPO) by themselves.

Importantly, only those who sell products to individuals (consumers, Croatian citizens) are considered producers. If you only sell your products to Croatian companies, you are not subject to EPR obligations and do not need to appoint an authorized representative for your company in Croatia.

I sell products via a sales portal. Do I need to appoint an authorized representative in Croatia?

Yes. All producers who sell online to Croatian citizens through different online platforms should fulfil EPR obligations, incl. appointment of an authorised representative, on their own. Most of popular online platforms require from distributors submitting a confirmation of appointing an authorised representative in Croatia or providing with some EPR information (concerning ex. registration, fees) before entering partnership.

If the distributor (producer) won’t appoint an authorised representative in Croatia, then the online platform is obliged to tave over all its EPR responsibilities in Croatia.

Does Interzero also offer the EPR authorized representative service in other countries?

Yes. We currently provide authorized representative services in all 27 EU member states, as well as in the UK, Norway and Switzerland. We fulfill the obligations on behalf of EU and non-EU companies.

Thanks to our comprehensive EPR services, companies placing packaging on the market can quickly and conveniently appoint an authorized representative in various European countries in one place.

Check your responsibilities in other countries.

Our on-demand webinar, led by expert consultants Katariina Jerbić (Croatia) and Matej Marka (Slovenia), provides critical guidance for companies selling their products to end consumers in these two markets.

Language of the webinar: English

Learn about:

• Key environmental regulations in Slovenia and Croatia.
• A clear breakdown of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
• Mandatory waste stream management.
• Licensing requirements for online sellers and manufacturers.
• Who needs an Authorized representative in these markets?
• Streamlined reporting procedures.
• Practical best practices and support.
• Q&A session

Navigate the complexities of EU environmental compliance confidently. This free webinar is your key to avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth operations in these two markets. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity.

If you are a company based outside of Slovenia or Croatia but sell your products to end consumers in these markets, you also have environmental obligations. In order to recive valuable information and avoid potential fines we invite you to participate in our free webinar on Thursday, 20 March.

Our speakers, both environmental consultants, Katariina Jerbić for Croatia and Matej Marka for Slovenia will present the environmental obligations focusing mostly on Extended Producer´s Responsibilities (EPR) in Slovenia and Croatia.

Join our session and get acquainted with the following topics:

1. Environmental responsibilities in Slovenian and Croatian law – introduction
2. Explaining Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
3. Obligatory waste streams in Slovenia and Croatia
4. The licensing obligation for e-commerce sellers and manufacturers
5. Who is obliged to have an authorised representative in Croatia and Slovenia
6. Reporting
7. Best practice and support for companies
8. Q&A session

The landscape of EU environmental obligations can be very stressful if you don´t have a reliable partner by your side.  That is why we encourage you to take advantage of this free knowledge-sharing opportunity.

The webinar will be held in English.

The webinar already took place.

The new rules ban not only makeup products, but also many other products that contain glitter. This initiative aims to combat the negative effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Make-up, lip and nail products will gradually be subject to the new rules; The shimmer found in rinse-off products will be available until the 16th. October 2027, and in products that are not left until 16 October 2029 In 2030 synthetic polymer microparticles used for fragrance encapsulation will be banned. 2031. the ban will apply to granules for filling synthetic surfaces in sports facilities. Finally, in 2035. In 2018, the ban will be extended to lipsticks, nail polishes and make-up products.

This decision is part of the European Union’s strategy to combat pollution and ecological transition. The European Commission explains that the new rules aim to prevent the release of around half a million tons of microplastics into the environment. Although glitter makes up a relatively small part of the total pollution, its removal is of utmost importance. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, argues that banning the deliberate addition of microplastics is a response to serious environmental and human health concerns. Sinkevičius points out that these materials are already present in nature, as well as in food and drinking water.

The ban does not apply to glitter made from biodegradable, organic or water-soluble materials.

Source: 1

In the last decade, ESG regulations have grown by 155% globally!

Since 2011 1255 ESG regulations have been introduced worldwide. Companies around the world struggle with the complexity and mass of regulations and are often confused about how to set and monitor their sustainability indicators and goals.

For this reason, Interzero decided to prepare a simple, user-friendly solution for you, which in the background is very professionally and thoroughly managed by our experts, thus supporting your real needs.

In the webinar you will learn:

• What is “sustainability reporting” and what are the main relevant standards?
• When and for whom does it become mandatory?
• What does Environmental Sustainability Dashboard, ESD mean and how can it benefit your company?
• What is the process of data collection, analysis and reporting on environmental KPIs?
• How can we help you improve your organization’s sustainability initiatives, set goals, track progress and ultimately improve your overall strategy?

Remark:

The webinar will be held in English , but we have also prepared a Croatian team of experts who will be happy to answer all your questions even after the webinar.

Ana Božić, mag. geol.

Consultant

M: +385 91 611 8006,

Email: ana.bozic@interzero.hr

Black Friday is just around the corner.

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A device that creates compost from kitchen waste in your home or company. You can place it in the kitchen, pantry or on a closed balcony – you only have to be careful that you discharge the exhaust air into the drainage system or into the outside environment. It runs on electricity, is quiet and does not create unpleasant odors. There is no need for water and sewage connections, and there is no waste water load. It is fully in accordance with legal legislation and the HACCP system. The automated process is triggered when waste is added. Simple daily charging, and discharging every 7-14 days.

Regular price: €1,900 + VAT

Black Friday offer: €1,330 + VAT

Find more information about the home electric composter at: Oklin GG02 – Interzero HR production platform

The groundbreaking ceremony attracts strong support from local policy makers and project partners

• Minister Hauk emphasizes the pioneering role of the plant in encouraging the transformation of the circular economy
• County Commissioner Brötel and Mayor Dörr emphasize excellent cooperation

The guests were representatives of state and regional politics and project partners. Everyone at the event emphasized the positive effects of the project, both for the location itself and for Europe, with the opening of 120 new jobs, the establishment of new recycling technology and OMV’s investment volume of over 170 million euros. Chemical recycling is a technology of the future that, along with conventional mechanical recycling, can significantly increase the proportion of reused plastic and save valuable raw materials from incineration.

“The establishment of the most modern and largest post-sorting facility for packaging waste in all of Europe in Walldürn enhances the location and also represents a strong commitment to confirm Baden-Württemberg as a center for business and innovation. The factory is an important building block on the way to a circular economy that saves resources, reduces dependence on raw materials and protects our climate, while ensuring that jobs and value creation thrive in rural areas,” said Peter Hauk, Baden-Württemberg Minister for Food, rural issues and consumer protection.

Daniela Vlad , Member of the Executive Board of OMV AG and Executive Vice President for Chemicals and Materials: “I would like to thank our joint venture partner Interzero, our technical project partners, and especially the dedicated supporters here on site who are working with us to make this project possible which looks to the future. The new sorting facility here, the expansion of ReOil® technology developed and patented by OMV, and the associated expansion of our ReOil® capacity are further milestones in OMV’s transformation. They point out that ‘we are reinventing the basics for sustainable living’. With this new plant, we will reshape the landscape of our industry, drive the creation of new markets and redefine the future of OMV as we transform into an integrated sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials company.”

Axel Schweitzer , president and owner of Interzero: “This project marks the beginning of a new era in plastic recycling. Together with our strong partner OMV, we use our innovative recycling process to give plastics that are currently incinerated a second life through chemical recycling. I am convinced that with the help of chemical recycling, the recycling rate in Germany can and will increase significantly in the future. This brings us another big step closer to our vision of a world without waste. Many thanks to the teams on both sides who made this possible, and also for the support here in the city, county and state – which already has a good tradition thanks to our existing facility. With the new plant, we are jointly developing Walldürn and the Neckar-Odenwald district into a leading location for the recycling industry in Europe.”

Achim Brötel, prefect of the Neckar-Odenwald district: “For me, the establishment of a new factory is a project close to my heart. Because if we all want a true circular economy so that we can live well in the future, we must proactively promote innovative projects like this. I am delighted that two such strong companies as OMV and Interzero are investing here in our district and that after a very successful preparatory period construction work is now starting”.

Meikel Dörr, Mayor of Walldürn: “Welcome OMV, welcome Interzero, welcome Walldürn. As a representative of the local government, I would like to thank you for your trust and for proving us to be a reliable partner during the preparations for the new building – especially when it comes to protecting the surrounding area in the best possible way with appropriate concepts. As a city, we respect and appreciate that and look forward to the continuation of our constructive cooperation”.

More details about the project here .

In recognition of its comprehensive commitment and pioneering “zero waste solution”, Europe’s leading recycling service provider will receive the 2024 Germany Sustainability Award in the category “Waste Management and Recycling Industry”.

Dedicated to achieving a world without waste, Interzero and its approximately 2,000 employees lead the way to a sustainable future and a world worth living in, where raw materials are systematically recycled, waste is avoided as much as possible, and natural resources are preserved.

“We are proud of this award,” said Dr. Axel Schweitzer, president and owner of Interzer. It encourages us in our efforts to continue our efforts to drive circular transformation, and we have great determination and passion for it. If you can imagine it, do it: Together with customers and partners, we want to achieve a truly sustainable circular economy in a more efficient way and counteract the overload of our planet. Many thanks to our customers, partners and also our own team.”

The Interzero company achieves clearly measurable effects on the environment with its analog and digital Closed-Loop solutions and ecologically and economically efficient recycling of raw materials. Scientists from Fraunhofer UMSICHT have been researching concrete effects on climate and resources for the past 15 years: According to UMSICHT’s “resources SAVED by recycling”, by managing around 2.1 million tons of recyclable materials in a closed loop, Interzero has saved and avoided more than 8.7 million tons of primary raw materials and about one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 alone. According to calculations made by the Global Footprint Network (GFN), the day of Earth’s overshoot in 2023. would have been reached 7 minutes and 16 seconds earlier (or 4 hours and 20 minutes earlier (in Germany) had it not been for Interzer’s efforts.

Interzer’s Asian sister company is increasingly using Closed-Loop models adopted from Germany and Europe and promoting resource conservation in Asia. Interzer’s social engagement also focuses on sustainable development, and one example is the long-term partnership with the basketball club ALBA BERLIN. As a sponsor and environmental partner, Interzero supports the multiple German champion and cup winner to become a top team also in terms of sustainability. And it’s also successful: ALBA BERLIN has also been nominated for the final round of this year’s German Sustainability Award in the Sports Business category.

The 16th German Sustainability Award is jointly awarded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry and WWF to companies that are at the forefront of sustainable transformation. The awards ceremony will take place on the 23rd. November 2023 in Düsseldorf.

The consequences of global warming are becoming clearer by the week, and policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs are debating the appropriate types of climate action. What can and should we do to achieve the climate goals we have set? At the same time, how can we make Europe’s high living standards and successful economies sustainable? One of the answers to this is the systematic recycling of materials. The circular economy has already become a key driver of climate change mitigation.

This is clearly demonstrated by the work of the leading European circular service provider Interzero. As evidenced by the “Resources saved by recycling” study published today, the company and its customers managed a total of 2.1 million tonnes of material in the loop in 2022. This resulted in the prevention of around 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to annual carbon emissions from heat and electricity for more than 100,000 households of four. At the same time, around 8.7 million tons of primary resources were saved that did not need to be taken from the natural world.

“In the current climate action debate, more emphasis needs to be placed on managing raw materials in the loop,” says Sebastiaan Krol, CEO of Interzero Circular Solutions. “Our study aims to show that recycling is an effective and necessary instrument for reducing climate-damaging emissions, protecting valuable resources and therefore curbing the overexploitation of our natural environment. We need a transformation to a true closed-loop economy to maintain the quality of life on our planet. Today, it is the most important joint task we face.”

Interzero also uses the study data to provide its clients with an individual certificate of their annual environmental performance. As one example, Sopro Bauchemie GmbH worked with Interzer to reduce the consumption of primary resources and greenhouse gas emissions by several thousand tons. As an integrated consulting partner for circular services, Interzero helps this customer by taking back and recycling paper, plastic and tin transport packaging.

Michael Hecker, Managing Director of Sopro Bauchemie GmbH: “The ‘Resources SAVED’ certificate confirms the environmental benefit of our partnership with Interzer and shows that we are on the right track together.”

Since 2008 Interzero uses the scientific study ‘resources SAVED by recycling’ to report on the overall positive impact of recycling on the environment. This comprehensive life cycle assessment report – produced by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT – is based on a detailed comparison of primary production and recycling, including all necessary process steps. A standardized methodology provides a means to accurately quantify resource and greenhouse gas savings.

“Now in its fifteenth year, this study makes the environmental benefits of recycling tangible and understandable. Looking to the future, this will be increasingly important to raise awareness of climate measures and the sustainable handling of our raw materials among companies and consumers,” comments Dr. Markus Hiebel, Head of Sustainability and Participation at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.

Fraunhofer UMSICHT data is also an essential part of the resource protection campaign “One World. Zero Waste. Let’s #MoveTheDate’, launched by Interzero together with the Global Footprint Network (GFN). According to recent calculations by GFN, the global Earth Day 2023 overshoot. it would have occurred 7 minutes and 16 seconds earlier had it not been for the recycling activities completed by Interzero and its customers.

In recognition of its deep engagement and successful completion of specific projects related to waste prevention and recycling, Interzero has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award 2024. The company is among the finalists in the waste management and recycling category.

One world. Zero Waste. #Movethedate!

Conservation of resources with Interzero: Together with our employees, customers and partners, we are looking for ways to advance Earth Overshoot Dayy even further and reduce the burden on our planet. Environmental Debt Day is an unpleasant reminder that we are living far beyond our means. In 2023 calculations show that this threshold has already been crossed on the 2nd. August. This is the date by which humanity has used up all the natural resources our planet can provide in one year. As an industrialized nation, for example, Germany reached this formidable milestone earlier, back in the 4th century. May! Here at Interzero, we are not prepared to stand by and watch the world continue to exploit its resources. On the contrary, we are working to create a world without waste in which we can use the resources available to us in a sustainable and responsible way. Our “zero waste solutions” actively contribute to climate measures every day and help ensure security of supply for future generations. Together with our employees, customers and partners, we are working hard to advance the Environmental Debt Day one step at a time.

“We are proud of the fact that we return significantly more resources to our customers and partners than we consume. 7 minutes and 16 seconds of excess savings are our starting point and an incentive for further expansion of our activities.” Sebastiaan Krol CEO, Interzero Circular Solutions