Today is the international awareness day of forests.
The day was first proclaimed by the United Nations in 2012, to raise awareness of the importance of forests and to equally encourage all countries within the world to recognise the importance of choosing sustainable and ecologically friendly activities to preserve these life-giving woodlands.
During a time when carbon emissions are choking our planet, European nations have started publishing eco-friendly efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote carbon off-setting. Central to this is the new EPR legislation that has just been implemented in France and Germany, and the Plastics Packaging Tax in the UK.
In recognition of this day, we would like to educate all sellers as to this new eco-friendly legislation, which will ensure that carbon emissions are reduced and eco-friendly alternatives are selected for new products that e-commerce sellers are planning to put into the market.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, is a piece of environmental legislation on sustainable development that assigns responsibility for the entire life cycle of a product from the taxpayer to the producer. The Extended Producer Responsibility principle provides such awareness through the form of eco-contributions in terms of packaging, chemical substances, plastics, electric equipment, batteries and many other categories.
Why is EPR relevant to all online entrepreneurs and the e-commerce sector?
From 1st January 2022, all businesses trading in Germany and/or France are responsible for the entire lifecycle for the products that they introduce into the market, including their disposal. The overall purpose is to ensure long term planning and investment into sustainable material use and recycling infrastructure, and to fulfil the ‘polluter pays principle’.
EPR focuses on different aspects on Packaging, Electrical & Electronic equipment, Batteries, Furniture, Tyres, Paper, Textiles, certain Medical equipment etc.
Read more here: https://www.avaskgroup.com/international-vat-and-taxes/epr/
Additionally, the UK Tax Authorities (HMRC) have recently announced the implementation of a new indirect tax from the 1st of April 2022, the Plastic Packaging Tax, or PPT.
PPT will apply to any plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into the UK, which does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic. EPR rules are also to be introduced as of January 2023 in the UK.
Read more: https://www.avaskgroup.com/uk-plastic-packaging-tax-april-2022/
How AVASK can help with EPR, Plastics and Chemical tax compliance?
AVASK have a dedicated, in-house team that can assist you with all relevant aspects of EPR, Plastics and Chemical tax registrations, filings and advisory in the UK and several EU countries, including Germany and France.
Should you have any questions, please contact AVASK today on enquiries@avaskgroup.com or leave your enquiry here: https://www.avaskgroup.com/contact-us/