Every year, regulations require a certain number of companies to submit a declaration to Citeo. Who is affected? What needs to be declared and why?
Why is it necessary to submit a declaration to Citeo?
The Environmental Code establishes the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR. Within this framework, the eco-organization Citeo is commissioned to centralize declarations from companies subject to EPR for paper and packaging.
The objective is to collect a tax proportional to the quantity declared. This contribution then allows for the implementation of actions in favor of recycling and circular economy performance. The Citeo website specifies the priority areas:
- funding for selective collection;
- raising awareness about waste sorting;
- eco-design and profitability of recycling sectors.
This declaration is mandatory and must be completed between January 1 and February 28 or 29, regarding the tonnages issued the previous year. Subsequently, the financial contribution must be paid before April 30.
What must be declared to Citeo?
Only companies issuing packaging or graphic paper are affected by the Citeo annual declaration (noting that it is the regulation that mandates it be done via this eco-organization). However, there are many criteria, and exceptions and bonuses exist. Citeo has published three guides on its site for its members to simplify their reading of the regulations. These cover:
Household packaging to be declared
This article will only address household packaging. It should be noted that all such packaging placed on the French market must be declared. For example, the following are included:
- products sold in shops accessible to individuals;
- those sold in shops accessible only to professionals, if the latter then resell them to individuals;
- those sold in vending machines;
- those sold and then consumed on-site or otherwise;
- transport packaging;
- packaging surrounding batches of products intended for final consumers…
Consequently, packaging for products consumed or used solely by professionals is excluded, notably very large formats, grouping packaging that remains at points of sale, and packaging contaminated by chemicals, for example.
Focus on the household packaging declaration
In order to simplify the process for declarants, Citeo regularly optimizes its online tool. Notably, the eco-organization has reduced the number of lines to be filled in by introducing the Consumer Sales Unit (CSU) as the reference unit.
Furthermore, intuitive assistance is offered to quickly and effectively detect potential entry errors. Finally, small producers—those who issue fewer than 10,000 CSUs annually—can pay a flat-rate contribution of €80. For this, their declaration is validated in three clicks, representing a significant time saving.
Who is affected by the Citeo household packaging declaration?
Issuing one or more types of packaging covered by the declaration is not the only necessary condition for becoming a Citeo member. You must be either the first to place the packaged product on the market, an importer, or a producer. In certain cases, the distributor is also affected.
To be able to complete the annual declaration, it is essential to join Citeo beforehand. Indeed, it is the only competent eco-organization for packaging. As such, it is authorized to receive declarations, process them, and collect contributions.
Eco-tax scales, surcharges, and bonuses within the Citeo declaration framework
Varying by material, the exhaustive scales are listed in the guides published by Citeo. Regarding packaging, the calculation method and the bonus-malus system depend on several criteria. Furthermore, there are situations in which the declaration can be simplified. Citeo provides tools on its website to help the declarant navigate these options.
In conclusion, the criteria and calculation methods are difficult to grasp in many situations. Nevertheless, Citeo makes every effort to facilitate the work of its members during the annual declaration. Given that any underestimation or omission of a declaration is liable to heavy fines, it is advisable not to neglect this essential and regulatory step. A fortiori, this declaration allows each company to factually measure the progress of its circular economy performance.
> To learn more about Flexico’s waste management policy, visit the page Flexico, an eco-responsible player.
