Compliance guide to the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG)
Plastics regulation has evolved from a niche issue to a management priority.
Through the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and national laws such as the EWKFondsG in Germany, governments are consistently shifting disposal and cleaning costs to distributors.
For ECOPV-EU GmbH, one thing is clear: compliance is not an optional extra, but a basic requirement for your market access and cost structure.
Who is responsible? Manufacturer vs. importer
The concept of producer
- Manufacturer (domestic): You are considered a producer if you make branded goods available on the national market for the first time.
- Importer: You become a producer in the eyes of the law as soon as you import goods from abroad (EU or third countries)
- Private labels & contract manufacturers: In this case, the contractual arrangements determine the reporting and fee obligations.
Expert tip: Create a responsibility matrix for each product line and target country. This documentation is essential for audits by authorities (such as the Environmental Protection Agency/DIVID).
4 steps to legally compliant SUP compliance
Avoid sanctions and sales bans by following a structured process:
Step 1: Product classification (Scope Check)
Check whether your products fall under the definition of single-use plastic products (SUP).
Please note: Even biodegradable or compostable plastics are subject to regulation and are usually not exempt from the levy!
Step 2: Registration in official portals
Ensure that your company is properly registered in the relevant registers (e.g., the DIVID platform in Germany). Failure to register may result in heavy fines.
Step 3: Connection to a system (EPR/PRO)
Join an extended producer responsibility (EPR) organization or a producer responsibility organization (PRO). This organization will coordinate collection, recycling, and billing.
Step 4: Data collection & reporting
Establish precise workflows for quantity reporting. The reported quantities form the basis for your single-use plastic levy.
Conclusion: Using compliance as a competitive advantage
Strict regulation creates fair competitive conditions. Companies that are now focusing on eco-modulation and intelligent packaging design benefit twice over:
- Cost reduction: Lower taxes thanks to recyclable materials.
- Brand trust: Transparent sustainability secures shelf space in stores.
ECOPV-EU GmbH supports you in transforming compliance from a legal burden into a strategic roadmap for lasting competitiveness.