Single-Use Plastic Fund: UBA waives requirement to verify quanties in 2025
The reporting deadline for manufacturers will be extended to 15 July 2025
German Environment Agency
Since 2024, manufacturers of certain single-use plastic products have been required to bear certain costs for waste disposal and the cleanup of public spaces. Such efforts were previously funded by the general public. The costs for manufacturers are calculated based on the quantity of their products placed on the market annually. The reports are submitted each year by 15 May on to the German Environment Agency (UBA)’s DIVID platform. A registered external examiner must then review and validate these submitted reports. As an exception, in 2025, the UBA will exceptionally refrain from this reviewing obligation altogether. Additionally, the registration deadline for manufacturers has been extended to June 15, 2025.
The implementation structure and the provision of the online platform, DIVID, as part of the Single-Use Plastic Fund (EWKFonds) remain a challenge for the parties involved. Following a careful and comprehensive assessment of the overall circumstances, the UBA, as the enforcement authority of the Single-Use Plastic Act, has made an exception for this year. Quantity reports may be submitted without external verification or confirmation until 15 June 2025. Quantity reports of over 100 kilograms without the confirmation of an examiner will be possible via DIVID from 2 May 2025.
This change does not nullify the UBA’s ability to request such examinations and corresponding confirmations without prior notice in individual cases. Manufacturers are still, as before, required to create quantity reports and to pay the special levy in accordance with the Single-Use Plastic Fund Act.
Omitted, late, incomplete or inaccurate reports can be penalised by the UBA with a fine of up to 10,000 Euros.
In May 2025, the UBA will hold an association-wide forum with manufacturer organisations to explain the changes to the reporting obligation. In the lead-up to this event, the UBA will further specify the legal scope of application in the FAQs published on the Single-Use Plastic Fund website , with particular referencing to food containers, plastic bags and film packaging.
About the Single-Use Plastic Fund Act:
Find here the original publication
Commission Presents New Bioeconomy Strategy to Drive Green Growth, Competitiveness and Resilience Across Europe
Commission’s Bioeconomy Strategy Falls Short of Curbing Europe’s Resource Crisis
UN Climate Change Conference In Belém: Great Progress on Implementation, But Not Enough Progress in Negotiations
Three Key Near-Term Actions Would Bring Projected Warming Below 2°C
Address Diets or Risk Missing Methane Pledges, NGOs Warn Nations at COP30
Ministers Urge Decisive Methane Action as Global Report Shows Progress, Warns of Gaps
Carbon Pricing Delay Jeopardises EU Support for Vulnerable Households and Climate Goals, NGOs Warn
Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence: MEPs Back Simplification Changes
Food Waste Breakthrough Launches to Help Cities Halve Food Waste, Cut Methane Emissions and Reduce Hunger