PROPOSED TAX ON DISPOSABLE PLASTIC ITEMS
In 2019, the Swedish government appointed a special inquiry regarding tax on disposable plastic articles to reduce negative environmental effects. On 10/8 2020, the inquiry was presented, where it is proposed to introduce a tax on items that are made of, or contain plastic. The products that are proposed for tax are disposable mugs and food containers / food packaging, as these items are considered to have the most negative environmental impact. Mugs made of plastic must be taxed at SEK 5 and food containers at SEK 7. For containers with a lower plastic content, the tax will, according to the proposal, be lower. The proposal thus also affects paper cups and food packaging with a plastic coating.
The tax is proposed to start from 1 November 2021 and will be paid by the manufacturers or those who import the mugs and food containers.