Germany’s fireworks levy is taking shape. In September 2026, the German Environment Agency (UBA) published its special report on determining a levy rate for fireworks (UBA Texte 150/2026). Businesses should distinguish the research findings from the draft regulation and the eventual binding rules.
Status checked: 7 October 2026. This article reflects the published position at that date.
What the UBA study contributes
The report combines investigations into fireworks waste with current market volumes to support the allocation of costs associated with waste in public spaces. UBA reports a calculated rate of €0.691 per kilogram. Publication of the research does not itself bring a legally binding tariff into force. Sources: UBA special report and UBA’s Single-Use Plastics Fund information.
A draft exists; the binding rate remains pending
The environment ministry sent its draft amendment to the Single-Use Plastics Fund Ordinance for consultation on 30 September 2026, with comments due by 16 October. The draft likewise proposes €0.691/kg and entry into force on 1 January 2027. The ministry still lists it as an ongoing proposal, and the currently available section 2 of the ordinance contains no fireworks rate.
The relevant product group is fireworks containing plastic. According to the ministry, the first levy year for this group is 2027. Businesses should not extend this statement automatically to every pyrotechnic product: product scope and the final promulgated rules matter.
Four practical preparation steps
- Review the portfolio: Gather product specifications and information about plastic components. A trade name alone is an inadequate basis for classifying a product.
- Organise the data: Keep a traceable record of articles, quantities, weights and sales routes, with a named internal owner.
- Label budget assumptions: If the proposed figure is used for planning, mark it clearly as a draft-based assumption and record the regulatory version behind the calculation.
- Check the final publication: Before fixing prices, verify the promulgated text, its application date and the relevant reporting requirements.
ECOPV as your authorised representative and contact
A central German contact can help businesses coordinate responsibilities, documents and deadlines. ECOPV supports the coordination of German EPR matters and helps clarify which authorised-representative arrangement fits a particular product portfolio and sales model. Agreeing the scope of service in advance gives internal teams a clearer basis for working together.
Contact ECOPV to discuss your products and practical next steps.
Further primary sources: Ministry consultation and draft; section 2 EWKFondsV. Cover image: AI-generated illustration.
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