Medicines for Europe calls for revision of wastewater directive EPR scheme

Medicines for Europe, an association representing the generic, biosimilar, and value-added medicine industry, has expressed concerns regarding the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme outlined in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD).

The association is urging EU governments to follow the approach of the Netherlands, which has proposed implementing the directive without applying certain articles and annexes until scientific and legal uncertainties are resolved. Medicines for Europe cites increasing evidence questioning the current EPR framework, noting that the European Parliament previously requested an impact assessment regarding the directive's scientific basis and its potential effects on medicine availability and affordability.

Furthermore, the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union has recommended the annulment of specific sections of the directive, citing deficiencies in the scientific evidence used to target the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors for the EPR scheme. The association disputes the European Commission's methodology, which attributes 80% to 100% of EPR costs to these specific sectors.