Surcharges Waste Management Contribution Packaging as of April 1st, 2023

In the packaging industry, paper and plastic are often used to package goods, but unfortunately these packaging materials often end up as trash after use. To reduce the environmental impact of this waste stream, the Netherlands has introduced a waste management fee for paper and plastic packaging waste.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, the definition of "producer or importer" for the purposes of the Packaging Waste Management Fee has changed, in line with legislation and at the intercession of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works. As a result, the producer or importer has become liable to pay the contribution for point-of-sale packaging unless it is printed with a brand or logo.

The levy is used to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, recycling and processing packaging waste. Part of the purpose of the waste management fee is to encourage producers to design packaging that is more recyclable and thus reduce waste. The fee for paper and plastic varies and is set annually by the government.

To comply with the above measures, we are forced to charge the following surcharges on point-of-sale packaging effective April 1, 2023.

Plastic packaging (regular rate):            €1.05 per kg
Paper packaging:                                         €0.012 per kg

If applicable, these surcharges will be reflected on both the order confirmation and the invoice.

The calculation example below shows the surcharges for 1000 pieces of plastic & 2000 pieces of paper carrier bags;

Bag HDPE (12 my White 27/6 x 48 cm) (Sale of 1000 pcs.)

Bag paper (70grs brown 18+9 x 22 cm) (Sale of 2000 pcs.)

It is important to note that in addition to the waste management fee, the Single Use Plastics (SUP) regulation is still in effect and will also be taxed on the products where this surcharge applies.

Need more information on which products are covered, check it out here.

This entry was posted on March 15, 2023.