Single-Use Plastics Directive – Obligations in Germany and Austria

The Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904) applies across all EU Member States.

Its aim is to reduce the environmental impact of certain plastic products – particularly on marine and public environments – and to promote the transition toward a sustainable circular economy.

The implementation differs among countries: In Germany, through the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) and the Single-Use Plastics Ban Ordinance (EWKVerbotsV) In Austria, through the Packaging Ordinance (VVO) (§ 18a and § 21a)

Both regulations apply only to filled single-use plastic products that are typically consumed or discarded directly by end users, such as beverage cups, take-away containers or flexible wrappers for snacks.

The obligation to report and pay the so-called “littering fees” lies with the first distributor of the filled packaging – that is, the filling company or importer. Pre-licensing by packaging suppliers is not possible, as only the packer knows the filled quantities and the intended use.