On May 19, 2026, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) launched a public consultation on the potential introduction of mandatory certification requirements for mechanically recycled plastic packaging under the United Kingdom’s Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) framework. The consultation seeks stakeholder views on whether certification should be required to verify recycled plastic content used in packaging and support claims for PPT relief. The proposed certification system is intended to provide businesses with a standardized and reliable method of demonstrating compliance with recycled content requirements when claiming tax exemptions or reductions under the Plastic Packaging Tax. HMRC is assessing whether mandatory certification would represent a proportionate and effective approach to improving the credibility of recycled content claims while reducing the risks of reporting errors, misrepresentation, and fraud. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposal through the consultation process, which remains open until August 10, 2026. The consultation forms part of the UK government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of recycled plastics, improve transparency within the plastics value chain, and support environmental objectives related to resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
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