DFFE publishes proposed new EPR Regulations and sector scheme amendments for public comment

SHE Alert 26, 9 November 2026

On 5 November 2026 the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published five notices for public comment under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 (NEMWA). The notices propose changes to South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. They cover:

Replacement EPR Regulations, 2026, which would repeal and replace the 2020 EPR Regulations;

  1. Proposed replacement EPR Regulations, 2026 (which will repeal and replace the EPR Regulations of 2020);

  2. Proposed amendments to the Paper, Packaging and Some Single-Use Products EPR Scheme;

  3. Proposed amendments to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment EPR Scheme;

  4. Proposed amendments to the Lighting Sector EPR Scheme; and

  5. Proposed amendments to the Pesticide Sector EPR Scheme.

The proposed EPR Regulations would strengthen registration, governance, auditing and reporting requirements for producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). They also expand obligations relating to waste picker integration, infrastructure investment and life-cycle assessments, and introduce stronger enforcement measures.

The sector-specific proposals include:

  • extending the existing Year 5 targets for the Lighting and Electrical and Electronic Equipment sectors by a further two years, pending future review;

  • revising the scope and collection, recycling and treatment targets in the Pesticide Sector Scheme; and

  • amending the Paper and Packaging Scheme through revised definitions, new beverage packaging and reuse concepts, and updated recycled-content, collection, recycling and reuse targets across a range of packaging streams, including glass, plastics, metals, paper and certain single-use products.

What businesses should consider

The proposals may have operational, compliance and financial implications for producers, importers, brand owners and PROs across several sectors. Businesses should review the draft Regulations and sector notices to assess how the proposed changes could affect their existing EPR obligations, reporting systems and future compliance costs.

Interested parties have 30 days from publication of the notices to submit written comments to the DFFE.

For more information or assistance please contact James Cross or Melissa Grobbellaar.

Insights, Legal UpdatesMelissa GrobbelaarMelissa Grobbelaar, James Cross, Environmental Health & Safety