The German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) is introducing a new quantity threshold of 500 grams for bags, plastic film packaging, and food containers under the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG). The aim of this amendment, which was introduced on November 3 by means of an administrative regulation, is to make the application of the law more practical and clearer.

As a result, single-use plastic packaging with a weight of more than 500 grams will no longer fall within the scope of the law in the future.

The UBA cites the packaging of a 750-gram Christmas tree as a typical example: in the future, this packaging will no longer be subject to the registration and tax obligations under the EWKFondsG. Empty food containers (e.g., boxes for takeaway meals) also fall under the new threshold.

Since January 1, 2024, the EWKFondsG has required manufacturers of certain single-use plastic products to pay a levy to the fund, which is administered by the UBA.

Further up-to-date information can be found here.