Environmental impact
Amendments for all entrepreneurs
Yet to come into effect (5)
Only imports of deforestation-free products allowed in EU (EUDR)
Effective date: 30 december 2024
Do you import goods from outside the EU? You may have to prove that these products are deforestation-free. As a result of he European Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) you can only...
Municipalities may introduce zero-emission zones
Effective date: 1 januari 2025
Do you consider buying a new van? Municipalities may introduce zero-emission zones. These are areas where only vans and trucks are allowed if these vehicles do not exhaust emissions. Do you have a...
Netting scheme for solar panels ends per 2027
Effective date: 1 januari 2027
Do you have solar panels for your business and do you sell electricity back to the grid? The netting scheme (salderingsregeling) ends on 1 January 2027. As a small-volume user, you are now allowed to...
Sustainability reports mandatory for large companies
Effective date: step-by-step from 2024
Do you run a large company? Or do you do business with large companies? From financial year 2024 all listed companies with more than 500 employees must report on sustainability policy and performance....
Blending of biofuel mandatory for inland vessels
Effective date: Not yet known
Fuel suppliers for inland vessels must blend a specific percentage of sustainable biofuel. Adding biofuel lowers the carbon emission. The Green Deal on Maritime and Inland Shipping and Ports includes...
Already in effect (7)
Caps must be attached to plastic drink bottles
Effective date: 3 juli 2024
Do you manufacture or import plastic bottles? Caps and lids must be attached to plastic drink bottles and beverage containers that are meant for single use. This way caps on disposable bottles will...
Prohibition on degassing for inland tankers while sailing
Effective date: 1 juli 2024
Do you work in inland shipping? There will be a national prohibition for inland tankers on degassing while sailing. Inland tankers often release harmful vapours from cargo residue into the open air in...
Companies with 100+ employees must report work-related mobility (WPM)
Effective date: 1 juli 2024
Does your company have over 100 employees? You will have to report annually on your employees’ business travel and commuting (work-related person mobility, WPM). This includes, for example, the number...
Minimum fee CO2 emissions to increase for industrial companies
Effective date: 1 januari 2024
Does your business use 1 or more large industrial plants? And do these emit CO2 in the production or waste burning process? In 2024, you will pay an emission fee of at least €74.17 per tonne CO2. This...
Introduction of the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet)
Effective date: 1 januari 2024
The Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) was introduced to combine all the rules for spatial projects. The new Act brings together 26 existing laws on the built environment, housing,...
Disposable plastic cutlery and crockery banned in hospitality sector
Effective date: 1 januari 2024
Do you work in the hospitality sector? You cannot offer your guests disposable plastic cups, plastic cutlery, and meal containers to use on site in your establishment. This also applies to festivals...
Higher excise duty on heating oil
Effective date: 1 januari 2024
Do you sell or use heavy heating oil (stookolie)? The excise duty rate went up from €41.31 to €654.53 per 1,000 kgs. The heavy fuel excise duty rate is now the same as that of diesel (gasoil). The...
Questions relating to this article?
Please contact the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO