Report packaging data: create your reporting file

How to report packaging data 

This guide helps you with creating and completing the packaging data file you’ll need when you use the Report packaging data service. You can report the data yourself or, if you use a compliance scheme, they will do this for you.

Examples of packaging data files

These are example files for 2026 data, setting out how a completed packaging data file should look.

Large producer example file: 2026-H1 (CSV, 6.31 KB)

Small producer example file: 2026-P0 (CSV, 1.13 KB)

Compliance scheme example file: 2026-H2 and 2026-P0 (CSV, 6.8 KB)

H1, H2 and P0 refer to the time period codes for 2026, but the example files are also helpful if you’re reporting 2025 data.

You can check if you’re a small or large producer.

Create your packaging data file

File generator tool to help structure your file

Packaging data file generator 2026

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 232 KB

This is a tool that contains built-in validation rules to help you create a comma-separated values (CSV) file that you can upload to the ‘Reporting packaging data’ service.

You do not have to use the file generator. You can use it to check files that you’ve created yourself.

The generator file is set up with:

• instructions – tab 1
• enter your data – tab 2
• outputs – tab 3

As you enter your data in tab 2, the file will generate a pre-validated set of outputs in tab 3, ready for you to save tab 3 as a CSV file and upload to the service.

What data to report

The following guidance explains what data you must report:

• What packaging data to report as a large producer

• EPR for packaging: what you must do as a ‘small producer’

You can check if you’re a large or small producer.

File specification: how to structure your packaging data file

Use the file generator tool or, if you’re starting with a blank spreadsheet, set up columns for each of the categories numbered 1 to 15 in Table 1a (for large producers) or Table 1b (for small producers). 

Start your data on the first row following the header row. Do not include blank rows because this would cause a validation error.

Add a new row of data for each packaging activity and each type of packaging you need to report. 

For example:

• if you supply 50kg of primary cardboard packaging under your own brand, you should report this on the first blank row

• if you also import 25kg of secondary cardboard packaging under your own brand, you should report this on the next row

Overview of file structure: large producers

Table 1a: Large producer packaging data file structure

Order	Name (CSV column header)	Description	Value
1  (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.	A 6-digit number with no spaces.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module.	Holding companies must enter the 6-digit subsidiary ID number if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Obligated organisations are either small (S) or large (L).	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	The period covered by the data you’re reporting.	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Classification of how you placed the packaging on the UK market.	Use the relevant packaging activity code.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	For example, household or non-household.	Use the relevant packaging type code.
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	For example, primary, secondary, shipment or tertiary.	Use the relevant packaging class code.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	The type of material used in the relevant packaging class.	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_ subtype)	Where applicable, the subtype of material used in the relevant packaging class. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other) or PL (plastic). Leave blank if it does not apply.	Enter in free text the name of the relevant packaging material subtype. Do not use any special characters.
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Only for use with the packaging types CW (self-managed consumer waste) and OW (self-managed organisation waste). Leave blank if it does not apply.	Use the relevant UK country code.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Only for use with the packaging types CW (self-managed consumer waste) and OW (self-managed organisation waste). Leave blank if it does not apply.	Use the relevant UK country code.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_ weight)	The quantity of each packaging material in kilograms.	Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_ units)	The quantity of individual packaging units. Only for use when reporting on drink containers.  If it does not apply, leave blank.	Use digits.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging (transitional_packaging_ units)	This is not needed for 2025 data.	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating) Large producers only	The recyclability assessment methodology rating for this packaging (household packaging supplied by large producers only).	Use the relevant recyclability assessment methodology code.

Overview of file structure: small producers

If you’re a small producer, table 1b and its links contain all the information you need about the correct codes to use in your packaging data file.

Table 1b: Small producer packaging data file structure

Order (CSV column letter)	Description	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.	A 6-digit number with no spaces.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module.	Holding companies must enter the 6-digit subsidiary ID number if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Obligated organisations are either small (S) or large (L).	Use S for small producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	The period covered by the data you’re reporting.	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Classification of how you placed the packaging on the UK market.	Use the relevant packaging activity code.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Category of packaging.	SP (small organisation packaging – all) or HDC (household drink containers)*
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	For example, primary, secondary, shipment or tertiary.	For packaging type SP, use the relevant packaging class code in table 4b. For packaging type HDC (household drink containers), leave blank.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	The type of material used in the relevant packaging class.	For packaging type SP (small organisation packaging), use the relevant packaging material code For packaging type HDC (household drink containers), use one of these 4 codes: - AL (aluminium) - GL (glass) - PL (plastic – only for use when the material used is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) - ST (steel) Do not use any other code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_ subtype)	Where applicable, the subtype of material used in the relevant packaging class.	Enter in free text the name of the packaging material subtype such as bamboo, ceramic. Do not use any special characters. Refer to packaging subtypes – other. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other). Small producers do not use subtype for packaging material PL (plastic) – leave blank. For packaging type HDC (household drink containers), leave blank.
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Only for use by large producers.	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Only for use by large producers.	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_ weight)	The quantity of each packaging material in kilograms.	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_ units)	The quantity of individual packaging units. Only for use when reporting on drink containers.* For packaging type SP (small organisation packaging), leave blank.	Use digits.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_ units)	This is not needed for 2025 data.	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_ rating)	Only for use by large producers.	Leave blank.

*Read a definition of drink containers in the relevant section of Check what to report for EPR for packaging.

Data field names, field descriptions and codes

The next sections list the different fields that you can report on for each category of data. 

There is a code for most fields. Always use the relevant codes in your data submission. Do not use the field names. 

Time period codes

The period covered by the packaging data you’re reporting.

Large producer time period codes

Code	Time period
2024-P1	January to June 2024
2024-P2	April to June 2024
2024-P3	May to June 2024
2024-P4	July to December 2024
2025-H1	January to June 2025
2025-H2	July to December 2025
2026-H1	January to June 2026
2026-H2	July to December 2026
2027-H1	January to June 2027
2027-H2	July to December 2027

Small producers time period codes

Code	Time period
2024-P0	January to December 2024
2025-P0	January to December 2025
2026-P0	January to December 2026
2027-P0	January to December 2027

Packaging activity codes

Table 2: Packaging activity codes

Code	Name	Description
SO	Supplied under your brand	Packaging for goods supplied under your own brand.
PF	Packed or filled as unbranded	Unbranded packaging you have placed goods into, for your own organisation or another organisation, as well as branded packaging you’ve placed goods into, for your own organisation or another organisation, if the brand owner is not a large producer.
IM	Imported	Some packaged goods you have imported and discarded or imported and supplied in the UK, or of which you’re the ‘first UK owner’. Read more details on what types of packaging are included.
SE	Supplied as empty	Unfilled packaging that the distributor manufactures or imports, except packaging that will be the responsibility of a large packer, filler or large brand owner.
HL	Hired or loaned	Reusable packaging that is hired or loaned out for the first time.
OM	Supplied through an online marketplace that you own	Filled or unfilled packaging supplied to the UK market from outside the UK through an online marketplace.

Packaging type codes

You must break your data down into the relevant packaging types. 

Read detailed descriptions of each packaging type in the Check what to report for EPR for packaging guide. 

Table 3a: Large producer packaging type codes

Code	Name	Description
HH	Household packaging	Most primary or shipment packaging is household packaging. This can include packaging supplied to a business. Read a more detailed description of household packaging. Do not include packaging that’s classed as single-use drink containers. Report this under the packaging type HDC (household drink containers) or NDC (non-household drink containers).
NH	Non-household packaging	All secondary and tertiary packaging is non-household. Some primary or shipment packaging may be non-household, where you have evidence that this is the case. Read a more detailed description of non-household packaging. Do not include packaging that’s classed as single-use drink containers. Report this under the packaging type HDC (household drink containers) or NDC (non-household drink containers).
CW	Self-managed consumer waste	Packaging waste recovered from consumers. This may include: - packaging waste recovered from consumers that you collect through a self-managed recycling scheme - reusable packaging waste you have recovered from consumers and sent for recycling Read a more detailed description of self-managed waste.
OW	Self-managed organisation waste	Packaging waste, which you have collected yourself on-site. Read a more detailed description of self-managed waste.
PB	Commonly ends up in public bins	Household packaging that commonly ends up in public bins. Read a detailed description of packaging that commonly ends up in public bins.
RU	Reusable packaging	You only need to report reusable packaging, such as pallets, the first time it’s supplied. You should also include reusable packaging in the household and non-household packaging that you report the first time it is used.
HDC	Household drink containers	Packaging that fits the definition of household packaging but is also classed as single-use drink containers. Read about how to categorise drink containers data.
NDC	Non-household drink containers	Packaging that fits the definition of non-household packaging but is also classed as single-use drink containers. Read about how to categorise drink containers data.
CLR	Closed loop packaging waste	For 2026 data onwards, this is the new packaging type code for closed loop packaging waste.

The section on reporting rules explains more about how to combine the different categories of data, for large producers only.

Table 3b: Small producers packaging type codes

Code	Name	Description
HDC	Household drink containers	Any single-use drink containers.
SP	Small organisation packaging – all	The combined total of all your packaging, excluding drink containers. For use by small organisations only.

For each packaging type you report on, you’ll need to break it down into other categories, including packaging class, material, weight and quantity. 

Packaging class codes

Packaging class provides more information about the type of packaging – for example, whether it is primary, secondary, shipment or tertiary.

Table 4a: Large producer packaging class codes

Code	Name	Description
P1	Primary packaging	Packaging used to contain a single ‘sales unit’ to sell to the final user at the point of purchase.
P2	Secondary packaging	Packaging used to group several sales units together on a shop shelf or for supply to the final user.
P3	Shipment packaging	Packaging used to facilitate the handling and transport of one or more units or groupings of sales units to a consumer.
P4	Tertiary packaging	Packaging intended to facilitate the handling and transport of one or more units or groupings of sales units to a business.
P5	Non-primary reusable packaging	The combined total of secondary, shipment and tertiary reusable packaging. Only for use with the packaging type RU (reusable packaging).
P6	Online marketplace total	The combined total of all packaging supplied through an online marketplace. Only for use with the packaging activity OM.
O1	Self-managed consumer waste – all	Total packaging reported under the packaging type CW (self-managed consumer waste). Only for use with the packaging type CW (self-managed consumer waste).
O2	Organisation waste – origin	Packaging waste you have collected yourself in each country of the UK. Only for use with the packaging type OW (self-managed organisation waste).
B1	Public bin	Packaging reported under the packaging type PB (commonly ends up in public bins).

Table 4b: Small producer packaging class codes

Code	Name	Description
P1	Primary packaging	Packaging used to contain a single ‘sales unit’ to sell to the final user at the point of purchase.
P2	Secondary packaging	Packaging used to group several sales units together on a shop shelf or for supply to the final user.
P3	Shipment packaging	Packaging used to facilitate the handling and transport of one or more units or groupings of sales units to a consumer.
P4	Tertiary packaging	Packaging intended to facilitate the handling and transport of one or more units or groupings of sales units to a business.
P6	Online marketplace total	The combined total of all packaging supplied through an online marketplace. Only for use with the packaging activity OM.

Packaging material codes

Report the weight of the individual materials used in the packaging you have supplied. You must report each material type separately.

Table 5: Packaging material codes

Code	Name	Notes
AL	Aluminium
FC	Fibre composite	Check the regulatory position statement for a definition.
GL	Glass
PC	Paper or card
PL	Plastic	Give the material subtype – ’Rigid’ or ‘Flexible’, with an initial capital letter – when reporting household (HH) or commonly ends up in public bins (PB) packaging types.
ST	Steel
WD	Wood
OT	Other	Any other material that is not listed here. You must also give the material subtype.

Packaging material subtypes for plastic (large producers only)

If you report the packaging material as PL (plastic), you must enter ‘Rigid’ or ‘Flexible’ in the packaging material subtype field. This only applies to household (HH) or commonly ends up in public bins (PB) packaging types. Only large producers report plastic packaging subtypes.

Read more about how ‘rigid’ and ‘flexible’ are defined.

Packaging material subtypes for ‘Other’ (small and large producers)

If you report the packaging material as OT (other), enter the name of the material you used in free text in the packaging material subtype field. There are no codes for material subtypes. Do not use any special characters.

For example, other materials could include: 

• bamboo
• ceramic
• copper
• cork
• hemp
• rubber
• silicone

UK country codes

The EPR for packaging reporting codes for each UK country.

Table 6: UK country codes

Code	Name
EN	England
NI	Northern Ireland
SC	Scotland
WS	Wales

 Recyclability assessment methodology (RAM) codes (large producers only)

Table 7: Recyclability assessment methodology codes

Code	Name
R	Red
A	Amber
G	Green
R-M	Red – medical
A-M	Amber – medical
G-M	Green – medical

Find out how to report the recyclability assessment rating and how to use the methodology.

Allowed packaging classes (large producers only)

This table shows which packaging classes can be reported under each packaging type.

Table 8: Large producer allowed packaging classes

Packaging type	Allowed packaging classes
Household packaging (HH)	Primary packaging (P1) Shipment packaging (P3) Online marketplace total (P6)*
Non-household packaging (NH)	Primary packaging (P1) Secondary packaging (P2) Shipment packaging (P3) Tertiary packaging (P4) Online marketplace total (P6)*
Self-managed consumer waste (CW)	Self-managed consumer waste – all (O1)
Self-managed organisation waste (OW)	Organisation waste – origin (O2)
Commonly ends up in public bins (PB)	Public bin (B1)
Reusable packaging (RU)	Primary packaging (P1) Non-primary reusable packaging (P5)
Household drink containers (HDC)	None
Non-household drink containers (NDC)	None

* Only use Online marketplace total (P6) when the packaging activity is ‘supplied through an online marketplace’ (OM).

More detailed reporting requirements for each of the packaging types are given in the tables in the following section on reporting rules.

Reporting rules for the different packaging types (large producers only)

Data requirements vary depending on which packaging type you are reporting on. The following tables provide specific instructions on how to populate the required fields for each packaging type. 

These ‘reporting rules’ tables follow the same structure as Table 1b: Packaging data file structure for large producers. 

Large producers can use all applicable packaging types, except SP (small organisation packaging – all).

Household packaging rules (large producers only)

Provide this data for each packaging activity you report on. Report the total weight of each packaging material.

Table 9a: Large producer household packaging rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must complete this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Use the relevant packaging activity code.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use HH (household packaging).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	Use the relevant packaging class code.  Table 7 gives a list of the packaging classes that can be used for this packaging type.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	If applicable, give the name of the packaging material subtype. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other) or PL (plastic).
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Use the relevant recyclability assessment methodology code.

Non-household packaging rules (large producers only)

Provide this data for each packaging activity you report on. Report the total weight of each packaging material.

Table 9b: Large producer non-household packaging rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Use the relevant packaging activity code.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use NH (non-household).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	Use the relevant packaging class code.  Table 7 gives a list of the packaging classes that can be used for this packaging type.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	If applicable, give the name of the packaging material subtype. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other).
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Leave blank.

Self-managed consumer waste rules (large producers only)

Report the total weight of each packaging material on one row, and any transfers on separate rows.

To report self-managed consumer waste collection, place the value indicating nation of collection in column 10 (J) and leave column 11 (K) empty.

To report self-managed consumer waste transfer, place the value indicating nation of collection in column 10 (J) and the value indicating nation where the waste is being transferred to in column 11 (K).

The system will work out the difference between what was collected and what was transferred (to identify waste collected and not transferred).

Table 9c: Large producer self-managed consumer waste rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Leave blank.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use code CW (self-managed consumer waste).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	O1 (self-managed consumer waste – all) is the only entry allowed.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	If applicable, give the name of the packaging material subtype.  Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other).
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Use the relevant UK country code.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	If the waste is transferred to another country, use the relevant UK country code. If the waste is not transferred to another country, leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Leave blank.

Self-managed organisation waste rules (large producers only)

You do not need to report the packaging activity for this packaging type. 

Report the total weight of each packaging material on one row, and any transfers on separate rows.

To report self-managed organisation waste collection, place the value indicating nation of collection in column 10 (J) and leave column 11 (K) empty.

To report self-managed organisation waste transfer, place the value indicating nation of collection in column 10 (J) and the value indicating nation where the waste is being transferred to in column 11 (K).

The system will work out the difference between what was collected and what was transferred (to identify waste collected and not transferred).

Table 9d: Large producer self-managed organisation waste rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Leave blank.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use code OW (self-managed organisation waste).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	O2 (organisation waste – origin) is the only entry allowed.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	If applicable, give the name of the packaging material subtype. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other).
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Use the relevant UK country code.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	If the waste is transferred to another country, use the relevant UK country code. If the waste is not transferred to another country, leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Leave blank.

‘Commonly ends up in public bins’ rules (large producers only)

Provide this data for each packaging activity you report on.

Table 9e: Large producer ‘commonly ends up in public bins’ rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Use the relevant packaging activity code. OM (supplied through an online marketplace that you own) should not be used for this packaging type.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use code PB (commonly ends up in public bins).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	B1 (public bin) is the only entry allowed.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	If applicable, give the name of the packaging material subtype. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other) or PL (plastic).
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Use the relevant recyclability assessment methodology code.

Reusable packaging rules (large producers only)

You only need to report reusable packaging the first time it’s supplied.

As well as reporting it in this separate category, you should also make sure any reusable packaging is included in the household and non-household packaging that you report.

Table 9f: Large producer reusable packaging rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Use the relevant packaging activity code. The packaging type RU (reusable packaging) should not be used if the packaging activity is OM (supplied through an online marketplace that you own).
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use code RU (reusable packaging).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	This packaging type must be broken down into the following packaging classes:  P1 (primary packaging)  P5 (non-primary reusable packaging).
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use the relevant packaging material code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	If applicable, give the name of the packaging material subtype. Only for use when the packaging material is OT (other).
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Leave blank.

Household drink container rules  

Drink containers should hold 150ml to 3 litres of liquid and be of steel, aluminium, plastic and glass material types only. This includes containers supplied in multipacks.

HDC rules for large producers only

If you supply or import single-use drink containers, report it under this packaging type if it also meets the definition of household packaging.

All drink containers should be reported as HDC (household drink containers) unless you have the necessary evidence that they are non-household packaging. 

HDC rules for small producers only

If you are a small producer, table 1b contains all the information you need. Table 9g confirms you must report all drink containers as HDC (household drink containers).

Table 9g: Household drink containers rules (small and large producers)

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use ‘L’ for large producer or ‘S’ for small producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Use the relevant packaging activity code. If the packaging activity is OM (supplied through an online marketplace that you own), you should not use the packaging type HDC (household drink containers).  If you supply drink containers through an online marketplace that you own, report these as HH (household) or NH (non-household).
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use code HDC (household drink containers).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	Leave blank.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use one of these 4 codes: - AL (aluminium) - GL (glass) - PL (plastic – only for use when the material used is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) - ST (steel) Do not use any other code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	Leave blank.
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Enter the number of packaging units.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Use the relevant recyclability assessment methodology code if you are a large producer and the containers are glass.

Non-household drink container rules (large producers only)

If you supply or import single-use drink containers, report them as NDC (non-household drink containers) if they also meet the definition of non-household packaging. 

Do not report drink containers as NDC unless you have evidence that they are non-household packaging. 

Drink containers should hold 150ml to 3l of liquid. Include containers that meet this definition and are supplied in multipacks.

Table 9h: Large producer non-household drink containers rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large producer.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Use the relevant packaging activity code. If the packaging activity is OM (supplied through an online marketplace that you own), you should not use the packaging type NDC (non-household drink containers). If you supply drink containers through an online marketplace that you own, report these as HH (household) or NH (non-household).
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use code NDC (non-household drink containers).
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	Leave blank.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Enter one of these 4 codes: - AL (aluminium) - GL (glass) - PL (plastic – only for use when the material used is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) - ST (steel) Do not use any other code.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	Leave blank.
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms. Use digits only, in whole numbers. Do not include the words ‘kilograms’ or ‘kgs’.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Enter the number of packaging units.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging  (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Leave blank.

Closed loop packaging waste rules (large producers only)

Table 9i: Large producer ‘closed loop packaging waste’ rules

Order (CSV column letter)	Name (CSV column header)	Rule
1 (A)	Organisation ID (organisation_id)	The identification number assigned to an organisation when they create an account.
2 (B)	Subsidiary ID (subsidiary_id)	An identification number assigned to a subsidiary via subsidiary module. Holding companies must use this field if there’s a group registration and they’re reporting data from subsidiaries. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 (C)	Organisation size (organisation_size)	Use L for large organisation.
4 (D)	Time period for submission (submission_period)	Use the relevant time period code.
5 (E)	Packaging activity (packaging_activity)	Leave blank.
6 (F)	Packaging type (packaging_type)	Use CW for 2024 and 2025 packaging data. For 2026 data onwards, use CLR, the new packaging type code for closed loop packaging waste.
7 (G)	Packaging class (packaging_class)	O1 (self-managed consumer wasteall) is the only entry allowed.
8 (H)	Packaging material (packaging_material)	Use PL (plastic). You cannot report CLR data for any other material type.
9 (I)	Packaging material subtype (packaging_material_subtype)	Leave blank.
10 (J)	From (country in UK) (from_country)	Leave blank.
11 (K)	To (country in UK) (to_country)	Leave blank.
12 (L)	Packaging material weight (packaging_material_weight)	Enter the total weight of each packaging material in kilograms.
13 (M)	Packaging material quantity (units) (packaging_material_units)	Leave blank.
14 (N)	Weight of transitional packaging (transitional_packaging_units)	Leave completely blank. Do not enter a zero.
15 (O)	Recyclability assessment rating (ram_rag_rating)	Leave blank.

Save and upload your packaging data file 

When your file is complete, do a final save of the file using ‘Save as’. You must save it in the CSV format. The file generator has instructions about how to save the file.

To upload your completed packaging data file, you’ll need to have an account with the Report packaging data service.

If you need to provide extra data, replace the previously uploaded file with a new version.

Deadlines for reporting packaging data

Separate guidance explains the reporting periods and deadlines for reporting packaging data.

Get help or give feedback 

If you have questions about the file specification or the codes to use, email the packaging team at packaging@defra.gov.uk.

For other questions about reporting packaging data, contact your environmental regulator or the EPR for packaging customer service team.

Check the contact details for regulators and administrators.

You can also give feedback about this guidance.