Simplified Supply Reporting in U.S. EPR Programs
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is becoming an increasingly complex regulatory obligation for businesses across the United States. Seven states currently have EPR laws that hold producers responsible for the lifecycle of their packaging through fees that fund waste collection and management, while noncompliance carries significant fines.
All EPR states require extensive and detailed annual reporting once programs come into full effect, but states without full programs are expected to submit Simplified Supply Reports in 2026.
What Is a Simplified Supply Report?
A Simplified Supply Report is a condensed version of the standard supply data submission required under state packaging EPR programs.
Rather than submitting detailed material-by-material breakdowns of every product sold into a state, producers can report aggregate tonnage or unit data at a higher level, using simplified categories and reduced data fields. Depending on the state, producers will submit total packaging and weight by broad material type such as plastic, glass, metal, etc. rather than a full product inventory with resin codes, component weights, and recyclability assessments.
The filing process is simpler and more accessible for companies that aren’t prepared for full reporting yet.
When Are Simplified Supply Reports Due?
Simplified Supply Reports for EPR producers are due May 31, 2026 and must be submitted through the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) portal.
Which States Require Simplified Supply Reports for EPR?
Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington producers must submit Simplified Supply Reports by May 31, 2026.
Programs in California, Colorado, and Oregon are already fully underway and producers in those states must submit full Annual Supply Reports by May 31, 2026.
As of publishing, Maine has yet to select its Stewardship Organization (SO), so registration and reporting are set to be due 90 days after SO selection.
Why Does Simplified Supply Reporting Matter?
These reports are meant to inform material categories and fee structures for CAA’s program development. They’re key because:
CAA is authorized to invoice producers during program development years to cover costs for both the PRO and the state. Submitting reports helps set fee structures based on real data, and failing to report may result in unfavorable fee estimations for your company.
Producers with no supply data may not be able to substantiate eco-modulation eligibility or challenge fee tier assignment once the formal programs are implemented.
Once programs mature, enforcement ramps up quickly and prior preparation results in less reporting stress.
Producers will need to report under very tight timelines once programs officially go into effect, and preparing reports according to CAA’s May 31, 2026 deadline is key to future compliance.
Secure Compliance With Snaplinc
While Simplified Supply Reports are intended to be streamlined, they can still be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Snaplinc specializes in EPR compliance for organizations of all sizes, and we can help you prepare Simplified Supply Reports that meet requirements and make future full reporting easier.
Schedule a 30-minute consultation with one of our experts or contact us for more EPR information.