We warmly welcome you to our 6th newsletter 2024! 🌍
With the newsletter, we regularly provide our subscribers with specialized information focusing on EPR-compliance.
If you have any questions, our experts are available for personal consultation.
Today's topics at a glance
Launch of the German Divid Program for Single-Use Plastic Funds
Update: Plastic Tax Delayed Again
EPR for Textiles in Latvia - Obligation for Manufacturers
Invitation to webinar : EPR for textiles in the EU
EU Waste Shipment Regulation: New Political Agreement
New Product Safety Regulation - Obligations for Online Retailers
Fresh Up - Reminders / Dates
We hope you enjoy reading the newsletter and look forward to your feedback! Best regards,
Deutsche Recycling
Launch of the German Divid Program for Single-Use Plastic Funds
The Single-Use Plastic Fund Act obligates manufacturers of disposable products containing plastic to register and contribute financially.
To manage and process these fees, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has established the digital platform DIVID. Domestic manufacturers can already complete their registration, while foreign manufacturers and their authorized representatives can create accounts.
Who is affected?
Manufacturers of disposable products that began their activities before January 1, 2024, must register by December 31, 2024.
Immediate registration is only required for producers commencing business activities on or after January 1, 2024. The obligation to pay fees begins legally in 2024, irrespective of registration status.
Notes on affected products:
The law targets manufacturers introducing single-use plastic products such as takeaway cups, tobacco filters, wet wipes, lightweight carrier bags, and similar items for the first time on the German market.
A specific case involves bags and film packaging with food content, where the provider of the filled product, not the producer of the empty packaging, is considered the manufacturer.
Are you a manufacturer of single-use products or are you affected by the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive?
Do you have questions about the Packaging Act?
Do you need support with registration or with the administration of your tax obligations?
We will be happy to help you. Simply get in touch with us via chat, e-mail, contact form or telephone. We will answer your enquiry within the next 24 hours.
The planned plastic tax in Germany is postponed until at least 2026 because a workable tax model does not yet exist.
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner announced this due to issues with data collection and anticipated bureaucracy. The EU has already implemented a plastic tax, and Germany transfers significant amounts annually to Brussels.
The industry, especially the plastics sector, opposes a unilateral tax and instead proposes a fund model for environmentally friendly packaging design and increased use of recycled materials. Should a tax still be introduced, the industry emphasizes that it must be cross-material to avoid negative environmental impacts.
More information about this topic
For more information on the plastic tax and levy in Europe or to get an overview of the situation in some EU countries, you can read our newsletter on this topic:
The regulations regarding textile waste in the EU are well underway, with more and more countries transposing EU directives into national laws. Starting from July 1, 2024, Latvia will also implement EU Directive 2018/851 for textiles.
Affected Companies and Products
Manufacturers, importers, and retailers of textile products must bear the costs for the collection, processing, and recycling of their textile waste.
First placers on the market are obliged to join a take-back system by May 10, 2024.
The following product categories require reporting:
Clothing
Footwear
Household textiles
By collecting, sorting, reusing, and recycling textiles, the aim is to counteract the trend of "fast fashion" in the long term and establish a sustainable approach to resources. Each country is free to implement EU strategies as they see fit.
If you need assistance in complying with these regulations, our experts are available to guide you through the process and ensure that your company meets the requirements. Submit a free request for assistance and receive prompt support.
Which countries have implemented an EPR system for textiles and what are the specific characteristics for each?
Join our webinar featuring Tim Ludwig, Key Account Manager International on the 16th of May at 10:30am, for insights into the textile strategy's background. Discover which countries have enacted textile waste obligations and key considerations.
Register now and secure your place in the webinar!
The latest EU Waste Shipment Regulation was recently negotiated by European legislators and includes significant changes.
The regulation concerns the cross-border transport of waste within and outside the European Union (EU)
Its aim is to ensure that waste is treated in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner by establishing strict regulations for waste shipments.
The latest EU Waste Shipment Regulation imposes important obligations on companies and waste exporters.
Here are the relevant aspects:
Procedures and Notification:
Companies transporting waste within the EU must adhere to the new procedures and deadlines for notification.
Notification is the process by which competent authorities are informed about the planned waste transport.
Ban on Disposal Shipments:
The shipment of waste for disposal within the EU is generally prohibited.
There are exceptions, however, which are possible under certain conditions.
Documentation and Tracking:
Companies must keep accurate records of the waste they transport.
Tracking waste is important to ensure its proper treatment.
Harmonization and Digitalization:
The regulation aims to harmonize procedures and obligations.
A mandatory transition to EU-wide digital data exchange is being introduced.
Ban on Disposal Shipments to Third Countries:
The shipment of waste for disposal to third countries is more strictly regulated.
This is to ensure that waste is treated sustainably.
The preliminary agreement must still be approved by representatives of the member states in the Council and the Parliament's Environment Committee before it comes into effect. This reform aims to make waste shipment in Europe more efficient and sustainable.
Does the EU Waste Framework Directive impact your business practices?
We handle all associated obligations, reducing both effort and costs for your company. Our expert team looks forward to personally assisting you. Simply get in touch with us via chat, email, contact form, or phone.
The new Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) contains provisions for manufacturers as well as for providers of online marketplaces, who are now included for the first time in the responsibility for the safety of products on their platforms.
The regulation came into force on May 23, 2023, and will become fully effective after a transitional period starting from December 13, 2024.
Responsibilities of online marketplaces:
The regulation stipulates that providers of online marketplaces have certain obligations. These include registering with the Safety Business Gateway, establishing internal product safety procedures, and ensuring a contact point for consumer complaints. These measures aim to ensure that only safe products are made available on the market.
Traceability and consumer information:
The regulation requires providers of online marketplaces to establish a traceability system to act quickly in case of safety issues. They must also ensure that consumers can be informed about safety warnings, especially in the event of product recalls.
Use of personal data:
Providers of online marketplaces that collect personal data of their customers are allowed to use this data to effectively carry out recalls and safety warnings. This helps to inform consumers quickly and precisely when there are safety issues with products.
Need assistance with implementing the Product Safety Regulation?
We are here to help. Simply contact us via chat, email, contact form, or phone.
Great Britain - EPR for Packaging: Large producers importing or supplying packaging must submit their reports by no later than May 31, 2024.
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