The European Union is taking increasingly serious steps toward environmental protection. As part of this direction, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems are being introduced to shift the burden of waste management onto those who manufacture or sell items that eventually become waste or have harmful environmental effects when disposed of.
Hungary has implemented its own EPR system as of 1 July 2023. After a transitional period (where companies were expected to register, assess their obligations, and submit their first reports), the Environmental Protection Authority is now starting inspections. Companies that haven’t complied face fines starting from HUF 500,000 — with no upper limit.
You might be affected if you…
Sell take-away food using any form of packaging.
Purchase goods from abroad (whether EU or non-EU), including:
- Items packaged in plastic or cardboard
- Single-use plastic items (e.g. plastic cups)
- Electronic devices
- Printed promotional materials (e.g. flyers, menus)
- Oils and fats (e.g. olive oil)
- Textiles (e.g. napkins, cloths)
- Furniture (e.g. wooden chairs)
Even a seemingly small import — like having your menus printed in Slovakia, or buying plastic containers from China — may create an EPR obligation.
How much are we talking about?
The good news is that most of these fees are relatively minor, especially compared to the risks of non-compliance. For example, plastic packaging is HUF 219/kg. A foam take-away box weighs roughly 0.01 kg — so if you sell 1,000 meals in a quarter, your EPR fee is only around HUF 2,190 + VAT.
And yet — many businesses are still unaware
A few common misconceptions:
- “It’s just another tax.” → Actually, it’s not a tax. It’s a waste management fee governed by environmental authorities, not the Hungarian Tax Authority.
- “Nobody’s doing it.” → EPR is based on self-reporting. Some may choose to ignore it, but that doesn’t make it legal. If audited, the consequences are significant.
- “It will ruin my margins.” → In most cases, EPR fees are minimal compared to your regular operating costs.
How I can support you
In addition to my core accounting and taxation services, I have expanded my expertise to support businesses with EPR registration, documentation, and reporting.
This means my clients don’t have to navigate complex legal texts or fear missing deadlines — I handle the process efficiently, keeping them compliant while they focus on growing their business.
If you're not yet working with me, but your company might be affected by EPR, feel free to reach out. Whether you're unsure about your obligations or already facing a backlog, I can help you get clarity — and compliance.
Interested in a quick consultation or offer tailored to your case? Get in touch and let’s discuss how I can support your business.
