Deutsche Koalition plant neue Plastiksteuer

The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition in the German Bundestag are contemplating a new plastic tax, potentially making packaging materials more expensive for businesses. Starting in July 2027, a tax of 550 euros per tonne of plastic in packaging will become payable. This comes from a draft of a "Plastic Packaging Tax Act" presented to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, based on a government decision from July.

Prior to that, the "Welt" reported on the proposed measure. The aim is to encourage a reduction in the consumption of plastic packaging. As of 2023, about three million tonnes of plastic packaging waste were generated. The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal budget, with projections of 805 million euros for 2027 and nearly 1.5 billion euros annually by 2028.

The tax will apply to plastic packaging, films, and composite packaging when the plastic content exceeds five percent. This includes films, transport and packaging materials, closures, lids, and plastic capsules. The tax will be incurred at the time of production, transportation, or import of the relevant packaging. The coalition anticipates that initially around three million tonnes of plastic packaging could be taxed per year, which is expected to decrease over time.

Tax-free status is available for packaging made from recycled plastic upon request. Individuals remain tax-free when passing on the affected products.