News

Germany is planning to introduce a tax on plastic packaging. However, many German business associations oppose this plan. A total of 33 organisations are calling on the federal government not to go through with it.

It is still unclear how the requirement to appoint an Authorised Representative for packaging sold in the EU will develop. The European Commission is considering suspending this requirement. However, this could create problems for fair competition, as it is difficult to enforce EU rules across borders. This is why the requirement was first introduced for electrical equipment in 2015. No final decision has been made yet.

Fair competition requires consistent enforcement of the rules. Prominent German trade associations are therefore calling for targeted checks and better use of existing tools.

The German online retail market is changing. Low-cost Asian platforms are losing sales as EU import and competition rules are finally having an impact.

The German Ministry for the Environment is joining forces with retailers and the waste management sector to take action against battery fires. Plans include better take-back options, clearer consumer information and improved fire safety at workplaces.

Greece and Cyprus have failed to meet EU requirements for treating waste before it goes to landfill. As a result, both countries must now face the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This case shows why EU waste regulations are so important.

As PPWR compliance costs increase, many online retailers are reconsidering cross-border sales. However, limiting deliveries to certain countries does not automatically constitute discrimination against customers in other EU countries.

The PPWR requires businesses that sell packaged products across the EU to appoint an Authorised Representative in each destination country. While many businesses see this as an additional administrative burden, others understand it as an important safeguard for fair competition.

Germany’s e-waste collection rate remains well below the legal target. As a result, there have been calls for stronger producer responsibility under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). But merely shifting obligations is unlikely to solve the real problem: too many end-of-life devices remain with end-users.