Single-Use Plastic Fund: UBA waives requirement to verify quanties in 2025

The reporting deadline for manufacturers will be extended to 15 July 2025

German Environment Agency

Since 2024, manufacturers of certain single-use plastic products have been required to bear certain costs for waste disposal and the cleanup of public spaces. Such efforts were previously funded by the general public. The costs for manufacturers are calculated based on the quantity of their products placed on the market annually. The reports are submitted each year by 15 May on to the German Environment Agency (UBA)’s DIVID platform. A registered external examiner must then review and validate these submitted reports. As an exception, in 2025, the UBA will exceptionally refrain from this reviewing obligation altogether. Additionally, the registration deadline for manufacturers has been extended to June 15, 2025.

The implementation structure and the provision of the online platform, DIVID, as part of the Single-Use Plastic Fund (EWKFonds) remain a challenge for the parties involved. Following a careful and comprehensive assessment of the overall circumstances, the UBA, as the enforcement authority of the Single-Use Plastic Act, has made an exception for this year. Quantity reports may be submitted without external verification or confirmation until 15 June 2025. Quantity reports of over 100 kilograms without the confirmation of an examiner will be possible via DIVID from 2 May 2025.

This change does not nullify the UBA’s ability to request such examinations and corresponding confirmations without prior notice in individual cases. Manufacturers are still, as before, required to create quantity reports and to pay the special levy in accordance with the Single-Use Plastic Fund Act.

Omitted, late, incomplete or inaccurate reports can be penalised by the UBA with a fine of up to 10,000 Euros.

In May 2025, the UBA will hold an association-wide forum with manufacturer organisations to explain the changes to the reporting obligation. In the lead-up to this event, the UBA will further specify the legal scope of application in the FAQs published on the Single-Use Plastic Fund website , with particular referencing to food containers, plastic bags and film packaging.

About the Single-Use Plastic Fund Act: