The Citeo 2026 rates mark a decisive step in the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in France. This year represents a major turning point with the entry into force of new European regulations and the extension of the scope of EPR professional packaging on July 1, 2026.

For companies subject to these charges, understanding these new rates is essential in order to anticipate their compliance costs and optimize their eco-design strategy. The 2026 eco-contributions for household packaging are part of a strengthened approach to encouraging the 3R objectives: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

This article details expected rate changes, new regulatory requirements, and optimization strategies to control your contributions.

Regulatory context 2026: the new obligations

The year 2026 will be a pivotal year for EPR in France.The Decree of December 7, 2023 defines the regulatory framework for eco-organizations dealing with household packaging and graphic paper for the period 2024-2029, merging these two sectors under a common governance structure.

The main change is the creation of the EPR professionalEPR on July 1, 2026, governed by the Decree of December 2, 2025. This extension applies to all packaging used exclusively in the B2B sector, representing a market estimated at over 3 million tons per year according to ADEME.

The impact of the European PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) will also be felt from August 12, 2026. This text harmonizes European packaging rules and redefines the concept of producer, potentially broadening the scope of companies affected by the 2026 eco-contribution rates.

These regulatory changes are accompanied by stricter requirements regarding the 3Rs objectives, with more stringent performance thresholds and increased financial penalties for non-compliance with EPR declarations.

Citeo 2026 rate changes: detailed analysis

The Citeo 2026 scale maintains its three-part structure based on weight, unit, and environmental adjustments. This calculation formula now includes new eco-adjustment coefficients to further encourage sustainable alternatives.

The most significant price increases concern aluminum, with an average increase of 15% compared to 2025, reaching €2.85 per kilogram according to the latest Citeo data. This change is due to the need to finance specialized sorting and recycling infrastructure.

Plastic follows a similar trajectory with differentiated rates depending on the type of resin: transparent PET benefits from a 10% recyclability bonus, while complex or multi-layer plastics are subject to a penalty of up to 25% of pricing .

The new environmental bonuses introduced in 2026 include a 5% reuse bonus on the total contribution for certified reusable packaging, and a recycled materials bonus proportional to the incorporation rate (up to a 15% reduction for 80% recycled material).

Modulations by sector of activity

In 2026, Citeo introduced an unprecedented sector-specific adjustment. The cosmetics and consumer electronics sectors are subject to a multiplier coefficient of 1.2 due to their often oversized packaging. Conversely, the agri-food sector benefits from a reduction coefficient of 0.9 to take into account health constraints.

Citeo vs. Leko comparison: which strategy should you choose?

Leko's arrival on the household packaging market offers an alternative to companies historically linked to Citeo or Adelphe. The 2026 rates between these eco-organizations show marginal differences for most materials, with differences of less than 3%.

The main differences concern niche materials: Leko offers competitive rates for stoneware and ceramics (€0.02/kg compared to €0.04/kg at Citeo), while Citeo remains competitive on ferrous metals.

The differentiated approach is more focused on services: Citeo relies on its long-standing expertise and advanced management tools, while Leko focuses on personalized customer relations and simplified processes for SMEs.

The choice between eco-organizations remains possible until November 30 of each year, with effect from the following January 1. This flexibility allows companies to adjust their strategy according to changes in their product mix and volumes.

Cost optimization: practical advice for 2026

Controlling Citeo packaging contributions requires a structured approach to eco-design. Weight reduction remains the most effective lever: each gram saved represents between €0.002 and €0.008 in savings per unit, depending on the material.

The incorporation of recycled materials is the second area of optimization. The bonuses granted by Citeo can offset up to 15% of the basic contribution, representing a potential saving of several thousand euros for a company selling 100,000 UVCs annually.

Reuse represents the most attractive opportunity with a 5% bonus on the total contribution. For a company paying €50,000 in annual contributions, this bonus can generate €2,500 in savings, more than justifying investments in deposit or reuse systems.

2026 Calendar and Billing

The 2026 declarations (covering 2025 sales) must be submitted before February 28, 2026. Invoicing is carried out on a quarterly basis, with the possibility of payment in installments for companies in difficulty, subject to providing supporting documents.

Newly registered companies benefit from enhanced support through the "first-time declarant" program offered by all eco-organizations, including a free audit of obligations and a personalized cost simulator.

FAQ

When will the final Citeo 2026 rates be published?

The final Citeo 2026 rates will be published before December 1, 2025, in accordance with the specifications of the eco-organizations. A provisional version is generally available in September to enable companies to plan their budgets.

Does the EPR professional EPR affect household rates?

No, EPR professionalEPR will have its own pricing structure starting July 1, 2026. Household packaging will retain its separate pricing structure, but some mixed packaging may need to be divided between the two channels.

How can I benefit from the recycled materials bonus?

The recycled materials bonus requires certification of the incorporation rate by an accredited body. Supporting documents must be submitted with the annual declaration, with a minimum rate of 25% to trigger the bonus and a maximum reduction of 15% for 80% recycled material.

Can we change eco-organizations during the year?

No, changing eco-organizations is only possible on January 1 of each year, upon notification before November 30 of the previous year. Exception: newly subject companies may join during the year with immediate effect on their future marketing.

How can I accurately calculate my Citeo 2026 contributions?

The calculation is performed using the following formula: (Weight × pricing + Unit × pricing ) × Environmental adjustments × Sector coefficient. Citeo offers an online simulator that allows you to estimate your contributions in real time based on your product mix and packaging characteristics.

What are the latest developments regarding penalties for late filing?

Starting in 2026, late payment penalties will increase to 3% per month of delay (up from 1.5% previously), with a cap of 25% of the total contribution. A 15-day grace period will remain in place for first-time filers. Repeat offenders will be subject to a permanent multiplier of 1.1 on their future contributions.