The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has amended the application of the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG). In future, bags, film packaging and food containers with a content of more than 500 grams will be exempt from the levy. This is the authority's response to Criticism from the field and creates a clearer demarcation for affected manufacturers.
Among other things, the new regulation eliminates the levy for the foil packaging of a 750-gram Christmas stollen. The introduction of the quantity threshold is intended to simplify the application of the law and ensure greater legal certainty. Empty food containers such as boxes for take-away meals or salad bowls are also subject to the new limit.
The Single-Use Plastic Fund Act obliges manufacturers of single-use plastic products such as cigarette filters, drinks cups and bags to contribute to the cleaning costs of public areas. The revenue is channelled into the Single-Use Plastic Fund, from which local authorities are reimbursed for their expenses for waste disposal and educational measures. The UBA manages the fund and regularly monitors its implementation.
The new volume threshold was introduced on 3 November 2025 by administrative regulation and published on the DIVID platform.
Source: Federal Environment Agency
