Austria and the “Plastiksackerl”
Companies placing packaging on the market are subject to clear legal requirements under the Austrian Packaging Ordinance: take-back, recycling, and participation in a collection and recovery system are mandatory. The Packaging Ordinance differentiates between household and commercial packaging, while the latest amendment to the Waste Management Act (AWG) creates new competitive conditions. But what exactly are the obligations, what solutions are available, and what special regulations apply to non-Austrian online retailers?
The Packaging Ordinance in Austria obliges companies to take back and recycle packaging. This applies to household and commercial packaging as well as single-use plastic products such as plastic cutlery or fast food packaging. Since 2023, reusable packaging must also be reported. Recycling rates will increase by 2030, and a deposit system for plastic and metal packaging will be introduced in 2025. PET bottles must contain 30% recycled material. Important for foreign online retailers: They need an authorized representative in Austria.
Packaging Ordinance in Austria – what does it mean specifically?
The focus of the Austrian Packaging Ordinance is on promoting the reuse of packaging and reducing packaging waste. In addition, hazardous substances in packaging are to be restricted and the use of reusable packaging systems aligned with the waste hierarchy. Reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic products and promoting a functioning circular economy are also explicit goals.
The ordinance covers all packaging placed on the market in Austria and all packaging waste, regardless of whether it originates from industry, trade, or private households. Even packaging from distance selling by foreign shipping companies is subject to the regulations.
Particularly affected product groups:
- Disposable tableware and cutlery
- Single-use plastic products
- Fishing gear
Beverage containers up to three liters in volume:
- made of glass or metal with plastic closures
- for liquid food for special medical purposes under EU Regulation No. 609/2013
Food packaging that:
- is intended for immediate consumption (on-site or take-away)
- is consumed directly from the packaging
- requires no further preparation such as cooking or heating
This includes packaging for fast food or other ready-to-eat meals. However, plates and pouches or foil packaging with food contents are not affected.
Other affected single-use plastic products include:
- Wet wipes (personal and household care)
- Balloons (except for industrial or commercial use)
- Tobacco products with filters and separately sold tobacco filters
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Austria
As in Germany, the EPR in Austria requires companies to ensure that the collection and recycling of their products is efficiently organized. This primarily affects packaging often disposed of in public spaces. These include food packaging, plastic carrier bags, and beverage cups. The EPR in Austria extends from proper disposal to consumer awareness measures. These include awareness campaigns about the environmental impact of certain products and disposal instructions.
Manufacturers of tobacco products with filters and wet wipes must also contribute to the cost of cleaning public spaces. These contributions are determined and published uniformly by the collection and recovery systems.
How does Austria implement the Packaging Ordinance?
In autumn 2018, the ordinance was amended with a focus on carrier bags, colloquially known in Austria as “Plastiksackerl”. It came into force immediately and applied retroactively for all distributors, producers, and retailers for the entire year 2018. It affects plastic carrier bags with or without handles offered to consumers at sales outlets or when handing over goods.
These carrier bags are categorized as:
- “Very light plastic bags” with wall thickness < 0.015 mm
- “Light plastic bags” with wall thickness ≥ 0.015 mm
Since then, in addition to the usual weight report in kilograms, the number of carrier bags placed on the market per category must be reported annually.
Since 2023, companies must also report which reusable packaging they place on the market. Single-use beverage packaging with deposits is exempt from some provisions of the Packaging Ordinance.
Household packaging is subject to system participation. Companies must join an approved collection and recovery system within two months of placing packaging on the market. Alternatively, upstream distribution stages can take over responsibility. Household packaging must be collected separately in approved categories and recycled.
Commercial packaging also requires system participation. If not returned directly to the material cycle, companies must ensure recovery through a system. Distribution levels must be informed of system participation.
Large producers must either recycle packaging themselves or deliver it to an approved system.
Some packaging types are subject to special rules. Packaging containing hazardous waste is exempt from certain obligations. Manufacturers delivering directly to large producers may be exempt under specific conditions. There are also special rules for system catering and non-household-like waste.
Overview: Household Packaging System Participation
- Companies must join an approved collection and recovery system.
- Participation required within two months of market entry.
- Upstream distributors may assume responsibility.
- Household packaging must be collected and recycled in approved categories.
Overview: Commercial Packaging System Participation
- Commercial packaging must participate in a recovery system unless directly recycled
- Companies must inform their distribution levels of system participation.
- Large producers must recycle packaging themselves or deliver to recovery systems.
Fees depend on packaging type and quantity. Small companies up to 1,500 kg can use a flat-rate solution. Without it, regular quantity reporting is mandatory.
What must be reported under the EPR in Austria?
Those placing packaging on the market without using the flat-rate solution must submit detailed quantity reports to their collection and recovery system. Reporting intervals depend on the annual packaging volume: monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Each report must include a detailed breakdown by weight and material type, referred to in law as “tariff category.” By March 15 of the following year, a final annual report is required, covering sales, reusable, and unlicensed packaging. A system change is possible at the end of each quarter.
There is no separate register or EPR registration number as in Germany. Double reporting is not required.
The annual report must cover several key aspects:
- Packaging placed on the market for the first time: total volume and share of sales packaging.
- Reusable packaging: volume of newly marketed reusable packaging and their share of sales.
- Circulation volumes: number of reuse cycles annually, including share of sales packaging.
- Unlicensed packaging: if any packaging becomes waste internally, its type and disposal must be reported.
Who is affected by the Austrian Packaging Ordinance?
All companies commercially placing packaging on the Austrian market are affected. This includes packers, importers, service packaging producers, and foreign mail order businesses delivering to Austria.
In some cases, an upstream distributor may assume licensing obligations with written proof of involved quantities.
What challenges exist for non-Austrian online retailers?
Since July 2023, stricter rules apply to online marketplaces in Austria. Platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Zalando must ensure that their vendors are legally registered. If no proof exists, both the retailer and the marketplace may face sanctions.
Implementation is straightforward for Austrian-based vendors. Unlike Germany’s LUCID register, Austria has no separate register. All mandatory data and payments are handled through the collection and recovery system. No duplicate quantity reports are necessary.
Foreign vendors face additional requirements. Direct registration with a dual system is no longer possible. Instead, they must appoint an authorized representative based in Austria. This appointment must be notarized and applies to packaging and single-use plastic products like wet wipes or balloons.
The representative assumes all of the retailer’s packaging licensing duties and acts as the contact for authorities. This rule enhances regulatory oversight and is similar to systems in Portugal, Greece, and the EU’s electronics regulations.
| Company Type | Obligations | Special Features |
| Foreign online retailers (B2C) |
| Applies to companies delivering directly to consumers via marketplaces or their own shops |
| Foreign companies (B2B) |
| Applies to companies selling only to businesses or dealers. |
| Austrian small companies |
| Applies to businesses with <1,500 kg/year. |
| Austrian large companies |
| Applies to businesses with >1,500 kg/year. |
International retailers must meet a range of requirements. In addition to licensing, they must submit quantity reports, carry out documentation, and meet all legal obligations.
Currently, it’s especially important to note: those trading in products are subject to mandatory disposal and recycling obligations. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and legal warnings.
The problem: many retailers are unaware of their obligations. Only those who act in compliance with the law are protected from unexpected costs and penalties.
Deutsche Recycling GmbH experts can handle the entire process for you, ensuring full compliance with country-specific requirements. With in-depth knowledge and years of experience, we guarantee proper licensing and seamless implementation. Retailers benefit from individual support, tailored solutions, and a reliable partner who manages all obligations professionally.
What penalties apply for non-compliance in Austria?
Fines range from €450 to €8,400 for violations. In the event of a final conviction, the ministry additionally demands:
- audit costs (auditor’s fees)
- “unjustified enrichment” (cost savings through non-compliance) up to twice the amount
Outlook: What changes by 2030 in Austria’s Packaging Ordinance?
From early 2025, stricter requirements for reusable beverage packaging will apply. Plastic bottles and other single-use containers must have tethered caps. A deposit system for plastic and metal one-way packaging will also be introduced.
From 2030, plastic packaging may only be marketed if recyclable or reusable. Starting 2024, single-use plastic beverage containers must have caps that remain attached during use. From 2025, PET bottles must contain at least 25% recycled material, rising to 30% in 2030.
Recycling targets apply from 2025: 65% of all packaging waste, from 2030: 70%
Material-specific quotas:
| Material | Recycling rate 2030 |
| Paper/cardboard | 85 % |
| Glass | 75 % |
| Metals | 80 % |
| Plastics | 55 % |
| Wood | 30 % |
Exported packaging waste counts only if recycled according to EU standards.
