Plastic Packaging Tax

Plastic packaging tax: have you paid?

Whether you manufacture packaging or import packaged goods into the UK, you may need to register for Plastic Packaging Tax

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) was introduced on 1 April 2022. Businesses responsible for manufacturing plastic packaging or importing more than 10 tonnes a year of plastic packaging into the UK, have a legal obligation to register for plastic packaging tax, submit quarterly returns, and pay tax at £210.82 per tonne on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content.

If your company is under the 10-tonne registration threshold for plastic packaging tax, in theory, you don’t need to do anything. However, it is good practice to retain your workings to show you are under the threshold so that you can produce them for HMRC if they ask.

Plastic Packaging tax: do you meet the 10-tonne registration threshold?

In assessing whether the 10-tonne threshold has been reached you need to count the following:

  • Plastic packaging you manufacture in the UK
  • Empty (or bare) plastic packaging you import into the UK
  • Semi-finished plastic packaging which you finish in the UK
  • Primary plastic packaging on goods that you import into the UK (for example, bottles, wrappers and caps) that are in contact with the product
  • Secondary plastic packaging on goods that you import into the UK, (for example, shrink wrap that holds trays of items together for the purpose of shelf-stocking and plastic liner bags inside boxes)

How we can help

Plastic packaging tax is an ever-evolving part of the UK tax landscape. In order to make sure that you are paying the right amount of tax, it’s vital to have expert help.

We can help you with:

  • Assessing whether or not you have to register for and comply with plastic packaging tax
  • Developing processes and controls for the management of plastic packaging tax
  • Determining how packaging components will be treated for tax purposes
  • Preparing plastic packaging tax returns
  • Liaising with HMRC to agree tax treatment of complex or uncertain areas
  • Assisting with HMRC enquiries and investigations

Plastic Packaging Tax – getting started

Plastic Packaging Tax can be complex. In our latest guide, we explore the key requirements, areas you need to consider to avoid HMRC penalties and how to approach your PPT compliance. We also outline how our specialist environmental tax team can help you.

Download Guide

About Evelyn Partners

Evelyn Partners is the UK’s leading integrated wealth management and professional services group. We look after the combined wealth and tax needs of our clients and provide specialist accountancy, assurance, tax and advisory services for businesses. Our mission is ‘to place the power of good advice into more hands’ and this advice is backed by almost 200 years’ experience in helping people and businesses flourish.

188

years of experience

291

Financial planners

179,000

clients supported

£62.2bn

of assets under management, as at Jun 2024