After initiating a ban on certain single-use plastic products, Hungary has implemented further provisions of Directive (EU) 2019/904 through the recent passage of Government Decree No. 349/2021 (VI. 22.).
The ban was imposed through Government Decree No. 301/2021 (VI. 1.).
The most important provisions of the latest Government Decree are highlighted below.
Consumption reduction: It is prohibited to make certain single-use plastic products (e.g. certain food containers) available to consumers free of charge upon sale.
Product requirements: Certain single-use plastic products that have caps and lids made of plastic may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the containers during the products’ intended use stage. Manufacturers must also ensure that:
- from 2025, beverage bottles specified in the Government Decree, which are placed on the market by the manufacturer and manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate as the major component (PET bottles), contain at least 25 % recycled plastic calculated as an average for all PET bottles placed on the market on the territory of Hungary; and
- from 2030, beverage bottles specified in the Government Decree contain at least 30% recycled plastic calculated as an average for all such beverage bottles placed on the market on the territory of that member state.
Marking requirements: As of 3 July 2021, manufacturers of certain single-use plastic products (e.g. tampons, tobacco products) must ensure that the product they place on the market bears a conspicuous, clearly legible and indelible marking in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151.
Separate collection: For the purpose of recycling and in the framework of extended producer responsibility, separate collection for recycling of the following should be ensured:
- by 2025, of an amount of waste single-use plastic products determined in the Government Decree equal to 77% of such single-use plastic products placed on the market in a given year by weigh
- by 2029, of an amount of waste single-use plastic products determined in the Government Decree equal to 90% of such single-use plastic products placed on the market in a given year by weight.
Awareness raising measures: As of 3 July 2021, manufacturers must inform consumers and incentivise responsible consumer behaviour in order to reduce litter from products specified in the Government Decree, and must take measures to inform consumers of certain single-use plastic products.
Registration of manufacturers: Manufacturers of certain single-use plastic products specified in the Government Decree must initiate their registration with the competent authority as of 1 January 2022 until 15 January 2022.
Record-keeping and reporting obligations for manufacturers: The Government Decree also specifies record-keeping and reporting obligations for manufacturers.
Sanctions: The Government Decree qualifies as legislation connected to waste prevention. Hence, any violation will be sanctioned according to waste-prevention regulations.
For further information on the above and how it might affect your Hungary-based business, contact your regular CMS advisor or local CMS experts.
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