Indirect Taxes

 Road to net zero

Plastic packaging tax – tracking of recycled content

Last updated: 10/12/2024

  • Plastic packaging tax is not charged on components that contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
  • HMRC published a consultation on whether a ‘mass balance approach’ should be allowed for calculating the amount of recycled plastic.
  • A mass balance approach is a model that tracks materials through a complex value supply chain and enables recycled or sustainable inputs which are mixed with virgin material during the process to be allocated to particular outputs.
  • Timing: the consultation closed on 10 October 2023. The government issued a summary of responses on 30 October 2024, stating that a mass balance approach will be allowed. The government will undertake further consultation on the detailed proposals, including on the implementation date and the legislation. 

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