With Nation of Sale data collection now mandatory for the 2026 compliance year, here are three steps to make sure you are ready for the first submission in April 2027.

✔ Check your order and sales systems are capturing the UK nation of supply (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) at transaction level for every relevant packaging activity from 1 January 2026.

✔ Document your data collection methodology so it is accurate, auditable and ready to support your first mandatory Nation of Sale submission, due 1 April 2027.

✔ Speak to your ERP UK compliance account manager if you are unsure whether your current data approach meets the requirement.

RAM continues to be one of the most common topics landing in our inboxes, so we wanted to tackle some of the questions we’re hearing most often.

RAM (Recyclability Assessment Methodology) is a Red, Amber and Green rating system that determines the eco-modulation multipliers applied to your packaging EPR fees.
Put simply, packaging rated Red attracts higher fees, while packaging that has not been assessed defaults to Red automatically.

RAM 2027 is due to be published by PackUK in July 2026 and will apply to packaging supplied from January 2027.
The cost implications are expected to increase over time, with the eco-modulation multiplier for Red-rated packaging rising from 1.2x in 2026/27 to 1.6x in 2027/28 and 2.0x in 2028/29.

This standstill period provides a valuable opportunity to review your packaging against the current RAM v1.1 criteria and identify any materials that may be classed as Red-rated before the new requirements take effect.

ERP UK’s LAMB tool can help you review and validate your RAM data ahead of submission, giving you greater confidence in your reporting. Speak to your account manager if you’d like support.

As Tracey Joyce, ERP UK’s Data Services Manager, explains:

“The RAM 2027 update lands in July 2026, and with eco-modulation multipliers set to increase year on year, the time to assess your packaging is now, not later. Producers who act during this standstill period will be far better placed to manage their fees as the rules tighten.”

With RAM 2027 guidance expected shortly and fee impacts set to increase over the coming years, now is the ideal time to understand your packaging data, review potential risks and explore opportunities for improvement.

Take a closer look at what RAM 2027 could mean for your business—and how ERP UK can help you prepare with confidence.

HMRC’s consultation, open until 10th August 2026, proposes replacing self-declarations with mandatory third-party certification for mechanically recycled plastic packaging. Two chain-of-custody models are under consideration, and, without a valid certificate, packaging will be taxable at £228.82 per tonne. Manufacturers, importers and recyclers with international supply chains should review the proposals now.