The approval process for the Interregional Cooperation Agreement on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Litter was restarted in 2025, culminating in its final ratification on 9 February 2026.

This milestone sees Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia joining forces to shape their EPR regulations. The Cooperation Agreement not only ensures a harmonised approach across the three Belgian Regions, but also introduces a scheme to share litter costs more fairly.

It thus represents a new step in the development of a harmonised interregional policy. Currently, each Region has its own EPR legislation for product streams such as electrical appliances, solar panels, batteries, vehicles, tyres, waste oil and mattresses. This Cooperation Agreement establishes a general interregional framework to coordinate EPR regulations, providing a stronger legal basis for imposing obligations on producers operating nationwide.

Subsequently, implementing cooperation agreements will be negotiated for each product group to further harmonise practical implementation. This approach will partially replace the existing regional regulations.

Additionally, three new product categories to which EPR may apply in the future have been identified: textiles, furniture and nappies.

At the same time, the Cooperation Agreement of 9 February 2026 introduces a scheme under which producers will contribute significantly towards the costs associated with litter. The new litter charge will offset the costs incurred by public bodies in clearing litter and emptying dustbins.