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Producers and importers who bring packaged products and packaging onto the market in the Netherlands must observe the regulations laid down in the Paper and Cardboard Packaging (Management) Decree (Besluit beheer verpakkingen en papier en karton):
- You are required to pay for the collection and recycling of packaging.
- You are required to organise the collection and recycling of packaging.
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You are required to take prevention measures to:
- Minimise the amount of packaging material;
- Facilitate the recycling of the packaging;
- Maximise the amount of recycled material used in new packaging;
- Minimise the amount of litter produced.
- If you add 50,000 kilos or more of packaging material to the market every year, you must produce an annual report setting out the results for the previous year by 31 July at the latest. You can request a Report Form (Verslagleggingsformulier) to use for this purpose from NL Environment.
- You must observe the general packaging requirements.
Takeaway packaging
Takeaway packaging (i.e. last-minute packaging) is provided by shopkeepers to consumers and includes carrier bags, paper bags, chip trays, gift wrap and packing paper. Shopkeepers who provide takeaway packaging bearing their name or logo are subject to the same obligations as apply to producers and importers. Shopkeepers who do not provide takeaway packaging bearing their name or logo need only adhere to the prevention measures referred to above.
Packaging of food products
The Packaging and Materials (Commodities Act) Decree (Warenwetbesluit verpakking en gebruiksartikelen) establishes rules for packaging and materials that come into contact with food. The rules address such issues as the types of packaging materials permitted and the condition of the packaging.
More information
For more information, please contact the Help desk Waste Management Department of NL Agency. The Waste Management Department (WMD) is the central contact point for authorities and companies in the area of waste.
