Hundreds of producers registered under the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme have mistakenly been charged multiple times via direct debit. This has prompted urgent contact from PackUK and assurances that full refunds will be issued this week. 

According to the administrator, 484 businesses – around 11% of all producers involved in the scheme – were affected by the issue, which saw some fees collected twice or even three times. The problem is understood to relate solely to organisations that opted to pay by direct debit and completed their set-up before 24 November 2025. 

Producers who paid using other methods, including bank transfer, credit card or standing order, have not been impacted. 

A Defra spokesperson commented: “We are aware of a technical issue that has resulted in some direct debit payments under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme being collected more than once by an external financial services supplier. 

“We recognise the inconvenience this has caused. Our teams are working hard to resolve the issue and refund affected businesses as soon as possible.”

Full refunds will be issued automatically, and no action will be required by affected businesses. However, you may wish to check your accounts to confirm whether you have been affected