Belgium: Royal Decree on single-use plastic bags and labels on reusable bottles

 

This draft Royal Decree is aimed at mitigating and curbing the environmental repercussions of specific single-use items while encouraging the adoption of reusable alternatives and fostering the transition to a circular economy. Its objectives also encompass the integration of the provisions outlined in Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2015, which amends Directive 94/62/EC, into national legislation.

Primarily, this draft Royal Decree prohibits the initial introduction to the market of lightweight plastic bags equipped with handles, commonly known as ‘carrier bags,’ with exceptions made for extremely lightweight plastic bags, reusable plastic bags compliant with the NBN EN 13429 standard, and bags distributed at airports for essential safety purposes. Additionally, it mandates that labels and other markings affixed to returnable glass bottles, as well as the adhesives used to attach these labels, must be easily removable when the bottles are placed on the market. This requirement excludes returnable bottles involved in a closed-circuit deposit system.

For further information on environmental compliance regulations within the EU, please reach out directly to the Product Compliance Institute.