Plastic Packaging Tax to increase from 1 April 2024

The UK Government has announced that the rate of Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The new rate is £217.85 per tonne and applies to all plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic and is manufactured or imported into the UK from 1 April 2024.

Registering returns and making payments

PPT was initiated on 1 April 2022 to encourage the inclusion of recycled content in packaging designs.

If you manufacture or import more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging within 12-months, then you still need to register for PPT, even if your packaging components contain 30% or more recycled plastic. 

After you have registered for PPT, you must register a return to HMRC 4 times per year. Your return has to be within an accounting period. The 2023-2024 accounting periods are:

• 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023
• 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023
• 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023
• 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024

You have to submit the return and pay the required amount on or before the last working day of the month, this should align with the end of the accounting period that you are reporting for.

The cutoff date for this accounting period is 30 April 2024.

Guidance 

Visit the GOV.UK website for the latest information including:

• Updates to the importers' guidance on the Temporary Admission procedure for reusable packaging that is not intended for sale
• Examples of packaging components that are chargeable to PPT 
• Verification if PPT affects your packaging components