“Green tax” on plastic shopping bags set to increase 1 July 2021

New definitions provided for certain types of plastic shopping bags

The environmental protection fee (“green tax”) applicable to plastic shopping bags will increase effective 1 July 2021.

Also, at that time, the distribution of certain plastic products will be banned.

A “plastic shopping bag” is defined a product that is made of plastic, with or without grips, and that is provided to consumers at the point of sale of goods or products. For these purposes, plastic shopping bags do not include flexible-walled plastic cooler bags or cooler bags.

• A “light plastic shopping bag” is defined a plastic shopping bag with a wall thickness of less than 50 microns.
• A “very light plastic shopping bag” is defined a product with a wall thickness less than 15 microns to be used for hygienic purposes, or to be used for the primary packaging of bulk food and that helps to prevent food waste.

According to Government Decree 301/2021. (VI.1), only “light plastic shopping bags” if made of biodegradable plastic can be placed on the market beginning 1 July 2021.

• A “green tax” of HUF 500 / kg will apply to plastic shopping bags made of biodegradable plastic (regardless of their wall thickness).
• A “green tax” of HUF 1,900 / kg will apply to plastic shopping bags made of non-biodegradable plastic (regardless of their wall thickness).

Source KPMG

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