Every year we put so much plastic into circulation that it is difficult to expect it to be neutral towards the natural environment. One of the EU mechanisms that aims to limit the negative impact of plastics is the SUP Directive. What changes does it introduce to BDO and who must register in it in connection with the entry into force of the new regulations?
SUP Directive – which entities must register with BDO?
The SUP (Single-Use-Plastic) Directive adopted in 2019 aims to to reduce the generation of plastic waste and increase control over the plastic products that are placed on the market. Therefore, it imposes additional obligations on entrepreneurs. One of them is the need to register with BDO – Database on products and packaging and waste management – for another group of entities.
The requirement to register with BDO has been covered all economic operators involved in the production, import or distribution of products covered by the directive. This refers primarily to entities that introduce disposable plastic packaging to the market. It should also be noted that from July 1, 2024, many single-use products will be banned from being placed on the market. This applies to plastic products such as:
- cutlery,
- plates,
- straws,
- balloon sticks
- drink stirrers,
- food and drink containers,
- bottle caps,
- cotton buds (except those intended for medical purposes),
- as well as products made of expanded polystyrene (styrofoam packaging).
Single-use plastic products significantly pollute the natural environment. It's no wonder that the EU wants to supervise them better, thanks registration in BDO possible. Moreover, in individual member states, the products listed may be subject to additional restrictions, reporting obligations and fees.
Due to the fact that single-use plastic products and expanded polystyrene products are widely used, the obligation to register with BDO applies to entrepreneurs from various sectors. It includes, among others: owners of restaurants, cafes, bars and catering and vending outlets that use plastic packaging as part of their business activities.
Importantly, the provisions of the SUP Directive are not valid for single-use plastic products that have no alternatives or have a unique use. These include, for example, medical devices.
SUP and BDO directive – what obligations do entrepreneurs have?
sama registration in BDO is not enoughthat a business entity that produces, imports or distributes single-use plastic products and expanded polystyrene products operates in accordance with applicable law. What else does an entrepreneur need to remember?
- SUP report. Business entities covered by the SUP Directive are obliged to submit annual reports to BDO on the quantities of plastic products purchased and placed on the market. This is to facilitate their monitoring and impact on the natural environment. It is also used to enforce product fees.
- Product fee. An entrepreneur producing, importing or distributing single-use plastic products and expanded polystyrene products must pay a product fee. It is calculated on the basis of the information contained in the SUP report and is compensatory in nature - it is intended to cover the damage that the mentioned products cause to the environment.
- Alternative packaging. From July 1, 2024, entities covered by the provisions of the SUP directive are to provide end customers with alternatives to plastic products, such as reusable packaging or products made of paper, pulp or wood.
- Attaching a cap to a drink. From July 1, 2024, entrepreneurs producing beverages must remember to attach caps to bottles and packaging.
The SUP Directive imposes numerous obligations on entrepreneurs, therefore its implementation is gradual. The most important changes include: the need to register with BDO, submitting SUP reports via the SUP database and paying the product fee. This is intended to help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up on the market and later pollutes the environment.
You don't know whether your company is covered by the SUP directive? Contact usand we will dispel your doubts.
