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Hungary Bans Single Use Plastic Products

Hungary Bans Single Use Plastic Products

Hungary
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On 1 July 2021, a new Government decree enters into force in Hungary, prohibiting the placing on the market of certain single-use plastic products and products made from oxo-degradable plastic. The decree was published in Hungary's Official Gazette on 1 June.

Specifically, the decree prohibits the following products from being placed on the market:

  • Cotton bud sticks;
  • Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks);
  • Plates;
  • Straws;
  • Beverage stirrers;
  • Sticks to be attached to and to support balloons;
  • Food containers made of expanded polystyrene (i.e. receptacles such as boxes with or without covers) used to contain food, which is intended for immediate consumption, either on-the-spot or take-away, typically consumed from the receptacle, and ready to be consumed without any further preparation, such as cooking, boiling or heating, including food containers used for fast food or other meals ready for immediate consumption, except beverage containers, plates and packets and wrappers containing food;
  • Beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, including their caps and lids;
  • Cups for beverages made of expanded polystyrene, including their covers and lids;
  • Lightweight plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness of 15 microns or more, except for those made of biodegradable plastic.

Cups for beverages not made of expanded polystyrene, including their caps and lids, will be prohibited as of 1 January 2023. Certain products are excluded from the scope of the above prohibition, such as cups intended and used for containing food for special medical purposes as well as straws and sticks qualifying as medical devices. The concept of “placement on the market” means the first time when the product is made available on the market, i.e. when it is supplied for distribution, consumption or use on the Hungarian market in the course of a commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge.

Sanctions are connected to waste prevention, meaning that any violation will be sanctioned according to waste-prevention regulations.

By Eszter Kamocsay-Berta, Managing Partner, KCG Partners Law Firm

KCG Partners at a Glance

KCG Partners is a Hungarian business law firm providing a comprehensive range of legal services to international and local clients seeking local knowledge and global perspective. The firm comprises business-minded lawyers with sector-specific expertise, creating value for clients by applying a problem-solving approach and delivering innovative solutions.

The firm has a wealth of knowledge in corporate law, M&A, projects and construction, energy, real estate, tax, employment, litigation, privacy and forensics, securitization, estate planning and capital markets.

To address clients’ regional and international concerns, the firm maintains active working relationships with other outstanding independent law firms in Central and Eastern Europe, whilst senior counsel Mr. Blaise Pásztory brings over 40 years’ of US capital market and fund management experience.

KCG Partners Law Firm is the result of the teamwork of passionate and talented lawyers guided by the same principles and sharing the same values: 

  • Our most valuable asset is our people. They are the engine of our business and the key to our success.
  • We push boundaries by looking for innovative solutions that can empower our clients to achieve greater results.
  • We place our experience, commitment and professionalism to your service.
  • We are driven by our vision to shape and lead the Hungarian legal market and become a first choice law firm in our practice areas.

Firm's website: http://www.kcgpartners.com