EU ★ Market GuideBeta

Packaging obligations in Netherlands (2026)

Verified on: 2026-09-01

Draft
2 documented obligationsAuthorised representative: depends on situation1 Providers →
Legal framework (EU & national)
EU framework: 
PPWR (EU) 2025/40, applicable since 12 Aug 2026
National: 
Besluit beheer verpakkingen 2014 (Packaging Management Decree; UPV verpakkingen – EPR for packaging) with the Regeling beheer verpakkingen and the Besluit kunststofproducten voor eenmalig gebruik (SUP decree); administered by the producer organisation Verpact (until 29 Feb 2024: Stichting Afvalfonds Verpakkingen) on the basis of an afvalbeheersbijdrage (waste management contribution) agreement declared universally binding (AVV)

The Netherlands operates ONE collective system for household and commercial packaging (Verpact) with one special feature: below 50,000 kg of packaging per calendar year, companies are exempt from the contribution and volume declaration (heffingsvrije drempel – levy-free threshold) – except for SUP packaging, which must be declared from the first kilo. Verpact expects the threshold to fall away only with the future PPWR producer register (per Verpact's assessment from 12 Aug 2027 at the earliest, with 2028 as the expected first reporting year – not yet legally binding). The single-use deposit (statiegeld) on plastic bottles up to 3 l and beverage cans is a separate topic and not covered here. Supervision/enforcement: Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT), with penalties of up to €5,000/week (max. €100,000).

Packaging EPR: Verpact registration & afvalbeheersbijdrage (Netherlands)

Anyone first making packaged goods available on the Dutch market – including foreign online sellers selling directly to Dutch end customers – counts as a producer/importer under the Besluit beheer verpakkingen 2014. Above 50,000 kg of packaging per calendar year, registration with Verpact, an annual volume declaration (aangifte) and payment of the afvalbeheersbijdrage (waste management contribution) are mandatory; below that, the levy-free threshold applies (exception: SUP packaging, see the separate obligation).

AuthorityInspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT)
RegisterVerpact (Aangifte über PackTool/VerpactPortal)
Authorised representativedepends on situation
DeadlinesRegister with Verpact once you exceed the threshold; volume declaration annually via the Verpact portal (check the exact filing deadline in the portal/Verpact's policies). PPWR obligations have applied since 12 Aug 2026; according to Verpact, the 50,000 kg threshold remains in place for now.
CostsAfvalbeheersbijdrage according to the public Verpact tariff (2026 tariffs on verpact.nl, e.g. separate rates for household and commercial packaging per material); below 50,000 kg per year no contribution is due.

Your to-dos

0/6
Providers for this obligation:Verpact (vormals Stichting Afvalfonds Verpakkingen)Compare all schemes & representatives for Netherlands →
Why does this affect me cross-border?
Foreign distance sellers delivering directly to Dutch end consumers are explicitly considered producers under the UPV (clarified on the official Rijkswaterstaat site afvalcirculair.nl). In practice, however, the obligation only becomes relevant above the 50,000 kg threshold – or from the first kilo for SUP packaging. Anyone exceeding the threshold registers with Verpact and files the annual volumes via PackTool/VerpactPortal.
Required documents
  • Packaging volume and material data per calendar year (packaging records)
  • Commercial register/VAT details for the Verpact registration
Sources & verification status

SUP packaging: declaration required from the first kilo (Netherlands)

For single-use plastic packaging under the SUP Directive (e.g. beverage cups, food containers for immediate consumption, lightweight plastic carrier bags) the 50,000 kg threshold does NOT apply: anyone first making such packaging available in the Netherlands must register with Verpact regardless of volume, report the unit counts and pay the SUP surcharge.

AuthorityInspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT)
RegisterVerpact (Aangifte über PackTool/VerpactPortal)
Authorised representativedepends on situation
DeadlinesReported as part of the annual Verpact aangifte; the obligation applies from the first SUP packaging unit placed on the market.
CostsSUP surcharge according to the public Verpact tariff per 1,000 units (2026 tariff published; rate reduced compared with 2025); plus the regular afvalbeheersbijdrage above the general threshold.

Your to-dos

0/4
Providers for this obligation:Verpact (vormals Stichting Afvalfonds Verpakkingen)Compare all schemes & representatives for Netherlands →
Why does this affect me cross-border?
Mainly affects sellers of food/beverages and anyone using lightweight plastic carrier bags (< 50 microns) or to-go packaging. Plain shipping cartons without SUP formats are not covered by this obligation – then only the general 50,000 kg rule counts.
Required documents
  • Unit counts of SUP packaging per category and calendar year
Sources & verification status

Does this apply to your business too? Check your specific situation.

Start the free check

Legal information, not legal advice. The linked official sources prevail; data marked “draft” has not been finally verified.