EU carbon rules / Regulations / Single-Use Plastics Directive
Requires Member States to reduce specific single-use plastics; does not set a uniform tax rate
This regulation applies to:
Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904; the source is the site excerpt and the official EUR-Lex text.
The following provisions define its scope:
Article 1 — Objectives
The objectives of this Directive are to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the aquatic environment, and on human health, as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials, thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market.
Article 2(1) — Scope
This Directive applies to the single-use plastic products listed in the Annex, to products made from oxo-degradable plastic and to fishing gear containing plastic.
Article 2(2) — Scope
Where this Directive conflicts with Directive 94/62/EC or 2008/98/EC, this Directive shall prevail.
| Duty | Trigger | Evidence | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restrict certain single-use plastic products The Directive bans certain single-use plastic products from the market and requires reduction, marking or producer responsibility for others. | Producing or importing single-use plastic products covered by the Annex to the Directive | Whether the product falls within the Annex; marking and producer responsibility registration | Phased from 2019 |
| Member States may levy separate single-use plastic charges The Directive only requires Member States to take measures and does not set a uniform tax. The German single-use plastic fund, the Spanish plastic packaging tax and the Portuguese plastic bag contribution are national measures on top of it. | Selling single-use plastic or lightweight plastic bags in the relevant Member State | Member State registration, declaration and payment | According to the Member State entry-into-force date |
Article 1 — Objectives
The objectives of this Directive are to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the aquatic environment, and on human health, as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials, thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market.
Article 2(1) — Scope
This Directive applies to the single-use plastic products listed in the Annex, to products made from oxo-degradable plastic and to fishing gear containing plastic.
Article 2(2) — Scope
Where this Directive conflicts with Directive 94/62/EC or 2008/98/EC, this Directive shall prevail.
Article 8(1) — Extended producer responsibility
Member States shall ensure that extended producer responsibility schemes are established for all single-use plastic products listed in Part E of the Annex which are placed on the market of the Member State, in accordance with Articles 8 and 8a of Directive 2008/98/EC.