The UK government has introduced the Plastic Packaging Tax from 1st April 2022.

The tax on plastic packaging is aimed at encouraging the use of recycled material in plastic packaging instead of virgin material. Plastic packaging items manufactured, imported into the UK, or imported as filled product, containing less than 30% recycled plastic will be liable under the tax and will be charged by HMRC at £200 per tonne.

Companies who manufacture, import filled or unfilled plastic packaging, equating to more than 10 tonnes in a 12-month period, will be required to register with HMRC.