In one of our previous posts, we mentioned how TikTok Shop has revamped its advertising rules – on 15 July 2025, the platform started mandating all sellers to use GMV Max, a new AI-powered advertising solution that dynamically adjusts based on real-time data and seller activity. 

But that’s not all that sellers need to be aware of.  Have you checked whether you are fully compliant with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements?  

If you’re currently selling on TikTok Shop, read ahead to make sure you’re aware of all your obligations – and avoid sudden disruption to your business!

What is Extended Producer Responsibility?

EPR refers to environmental policies which holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly end-of-life waste management and disposal. 

EPR regulations incentivise producers to be more sustainable by passing on the financial costs of disposal, recycling and waste management back to producers.

The European Union is at the forefront of EPR regulations, with many Member States introducing regulations under a harmonised approach.  Other major regions to implement similar regulations include the United Kingdom. 

In the majority of cases, a ‘producer’ is considered any business which manufactures, retails or re-sells regulated products.  This usually includes both domestic and overseas business sellers – including those who are selling on TikTok Shop.  

Additional definitions may also apply to specific categories of products – it’s important to check with the relevant local authority or consult expert advice.

Which markets are affected?

TikTok Shop is currently available in these European markets: France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom.

All of these regions have already implemented some form of Extended Producer Responsibility regulations into domestic legislation. 

This means that where applicable, complying with EPR regulations is a legal obligation – it’s not just mandated by the platform you choose to sell on. 

Online platforms including TikTok Shop are however often required to check that their sellers are compliant, such as by requiring sellers to upload EPR registration numbers for their product listings.

If you’re selling on TikTok Shop already, it may ask you to prove that you are compliant.  TikTok offers official guidance on how to do this here. 

Additionally, the deadline for Batteries compliance is coming soon – all sellers with product listings containing batteries (or products including batteries) will be required to provide a Batteries EPR registration number by 18 August 2025.  This requirement applies to each regional marketplace they are actively trading in. 

What are the EPR categories in each region?

We have provided a brief overview of the main EPR categories in each region:

France:

Batteries, Chemicals, Furniture, Packaging (merged with Paper), Sports & Leisure, Textiles, Toys, WEEE

Germany:

Batteries, Packaging, Single-Use Plastics, WEEE

Italy:

Batteries, Packaging, Textiles, WEEE

Ireland:

Batteries, End-of-Life Vehicles, Farm Plastics, Packaging, Single-Use Plastics, Tyres, WEEE

Spain:

Batteries, Packaging, Textiles, WEEE

United Kingdom:

End-of-Life Vehicles, Packaging, WEEE

Selling responsibly on TikTok – what else is there to know?

TikTok Shop also imposes additional restrictions on specific categories of products in certain regions.  These policies are designed to ensure that product listings are genuine and do not pose any health or safety risks. 

Relevant product categories may also require the necessary safety certification before they can be listed, such as the EU CE or UK CA mark. 

Certain categories of products may also be deemed as ‘invite-only’, requiring sellers to obtain prior permission from TikTok before they can be listed on the platform.  Sellers should check on TikTok Seller Centre for up-to-date compliance guidelines.

On TikTok Shop, many product categories will often be restricted or subject to additional verification, including (but not limited to):

• Beauty products
• Electrical products
• Food (including pet food)
• Luxury products

Beyond EPR – ongoing compliance with TBA Global

TBA Global has helped thousands of businesses with their environmental obligations – we’ve made the process quick and easy.  

And don’t forget – EPR is not the only legal obligation to consider.  Many countries will also consider whether you are liable to register for and pay tax – such as Value Added Tax (VAT).

The obligation for registering for VAT is often triggered by numerous factors, such as 1) storing inventory, 2) importing inventory, 3) selling to customers.  In addition to VAT, have you also made sure that your products have been correctly certified and comply with all the relevant product safety regulations?

To make sure you’re compliant, why not arrange a free consultation with one of our experts today?