Are you Plastic Packaging Tax return ready?

By Gill Hyslop

- Last updated on GMT

UK manufacturers and importers of 10 or more tonnes of plastic packaging are expected to submit their PPT return by end of July or face penalties. Pic: GettyImages/Rafmaster
UK manufacturers and importers of 10 or more tonnes of plastic packaging are expected to submit their PPT return by end of July or face penalties. Pic: GettyImages/Rafmaster
Packaging data specialist Ecoveritas has issued a reminder to UK businesses to be prepared to submit their Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) return before the end of July.

Companies that manufacture or import 10 or more tonnes of plastic packaging from 1 April must register and submit their records on or before 29 July 2022 or face penalties.

The new PPT legislation charges £200 per metric tonne for all plastic packaging – made locally or imported – that consists of less than 30% recycled content. Businesses are expected to do their due diligence checks and keep records of all weight details to the nearest kilogramme.

Now is not the time to drag heels

According to Ecoveritas, the current scenario where supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to rising material costs places heightened pressure on companies to maintain precision packaging data.

“Ecoveritas recognises that this is a challenging time for UK businesses, particularly amidst the supply chain crisis and limited availability of recycled substrates. But now is not the time to drag one’s heels,”​ said Josh Remi, commercial manager of Ecoveritas.

“The PPT deadline is looming – and businesses must ensure they are ready to submit their returns on time.

“To submit your PPT return, you must have registered on the HMRC website and report weight details of each plastic packaging component, including those exported and detail evidence of recycled content.

“This includes how you’ve calculated the percentage of plastic, its source and what product lines the content is used in.”

Calculating tax liability

To support UK businesses through the first reporting quarter, Ecoveritas recently launched a data collection vehicle (DCV) tool, which captures data and assists in accurately calculating a company’s tax liability. The DCV tool is separated into primary, secondary and tertiary packaging to make data collection easier, from both internal sources and the client’s unique supply chain.

“Our DCV is free to use and enables companies to map the data they currently have onto the tool,”​ said Remi.

“It provides a great framework for collating the data metrics required while also highlighting data that is missing, allowing businesses to adjust their data in time for the submission deadline.”

West Yorkshire-based Ecoveritas specialises in helping brands and retailers – such as United Biscuits and Waitrose, among others – maximise the effectiveness of their packaging and minimise the environmental impact. The firm offers data collection and analysis services, as well as compliance, packaging consultancy and advice.

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