← All measuresMeasures / Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Neutral · BAG-02

Keep annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags at or below 40 per capita -- the level itself, unchanged from the repealed directive.

Member States must comply, and this is law in force.

Why it matters

This is law in force, not a proposal.

  • It is Art. 34(1), first subparagraph, in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
  • The act gives its timing as: By 31 December 2025 (Art. 34(1)). as of 2026-08-18
  • It names one industry by name: Waste. as of 2026-08-18
  • Compliance is checked by reporting to the Commission under Art. 56(1)(b), annual. as of 2026-08-18
Addressee Member StatesAct Regulation (EU) 2025/40, base actArticle Art. 34(1), first subparagraphClass Governments

What changes

THE NUMBER DOES NOT MOVE. 40 per capita is 94/62/EC Art. 4(1a)(a) unchanged, and has bound since 2015. This row exists so the level can be recorded as carried over while BAG-01 records what actually changed around it.

Prior rule vs new rule

Prior rule
Trigger

annual national consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags

Obligation

Measures ensuring the annual consumption level does not exceed 40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2025, or an equivalent target set in weight.

New rule
Trigger

annual national consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags

Obligation

Annual consumption not to exceed 40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per capita, or the equivalent target in weight.

Who is affected

Addressee
Member States
Class
Governments
Sectors
Names Waste and landfill · Reaches Plastics converting, Retail and distribution
Applies
By 31 December 2025 (Art. 34(1))

Burden drivers

D5 — 1 of 7 marks fire on this provision.

Binds a Member State, not a company by size.

Source text

Verbatim

Member States shall take measures to achieve a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags on their territory.

View source →