No more surcharge for disposable plastic cups and containers to go

What changes?

Do you work in the catering and hospitality industry? The law on single-use plastic for food and drinks to go will change. You will no longer have to charge extra for disposable containers and cups to go. This means you will have less administration and simpler checkout. Customers will pay less and will place an order more easily.

Since 1 July 2023 entrepreneurs had to charge a small fee for disposable cups and containers. This was part of the implementation of EU rules against single-use plastics. However, following an evaluation, a motion (a proposal for change) passed in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) this mandatory extra charge will be abolished.

From 1 January 2026 the following rules apply:

• No more mandatory extra charge: you do not have to charge extra for disposable plastic cups or container for food and drinks to go
• Reusable alternative remains mandatory: you will still have to offer a reusable alternative. You can, for example, offer reusable cups and containers, or you can accept cups and containers your customer brings along.
• You are allowed to offer a discount: Do you want to reward customers who bring their own cups and containers? You are allowed to do so. The decision to offer a discount is up to you.

For whom?

• entrepreneurs offering food and drinks to go

When?

It is expected this change in the Single-use plastic products Decree will take effect on 1 January 2026.

Please note: The effective date of this measure is not yet final. Entry into force is subject to its passing through the Lower and Upper Houses (Tweede en Eerste Kamer) of parliament. After publication in the Staatsblad or Staatscourant (Government Gazette, in Dutch) the law can take effect.