No more surcharge for disposable plastic cups and containers to go
There is a plan to change the rules
The government has proposed a change in rules, but the change is not yet final. The rules may therefore still change, but it can be helpful to be aware of this in advance.
For whom?
- entrepreneurs offering food and drinks 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 have 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.
When this changes takes effect, the following rules will apply:
- No more mandatory extra charge: You do not have to charge extra for disposable plastic cups or containers.
- Reusable alternative remains mandatory: You must still 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.
When?
The government wishes to change the Single-use plastic products Decree in 2027. The exact date of entry into force of this change is not yet known. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has already stopped enforcing the mandatory surcharge on disposable cups and containers in 2026.