English translation, from Swedish information from the Swedish Environmental Agency 2016-12-13
Reporting of plastic carrier bags
As of January 1, 2017, anyone who produces or imports plastic carrier bags into Sweden on a
professional basis will be required to report the number of thin and thick plastic carrier bags intended
for the Swedish market. The applicable plastic bags are those supplied to consumers for packing and
carrying goods away from their point of sale.
Target group
This guide is intended for those who produce or import plastic carrier bags into Sweden.
The ordinance does not cover multiple re-use plastic carrier bags, or those less than 15 microns, and
required for hygiene purposes or for the packaging of food sold loose.
The number of plastic carrier bags must be reported, broken down into thin and thick plastic carrier
bags. Reporting the total weight of the plastic carrier bags is voluntary, but the weight should also be
broken down into thin and thick plastic bags. See the table below.
Number (required)
Total weight (tons) (voluntary)
Thin plastic carrier bags (less than 50 µm)*
Thick plastic carrier bags (more than 50 µm)
* The ordinance does not cover carrier bags with a film thickness of less than 15 microns, and:
1. that are required for hygiene purposes, or
2. are supplied as the primary packaging for food sold loose.
In addition to the number of carrier bags of each variety, the contact details of the party responsible for
reporting, and any agent, must also be provided:




company name
corporate registration number/VAT number (used for foreign companies that do not have a
Swedish corporate registration number)
postal address
telephone number and e-mail address for the company
Who is required to report?
Anyone who produces or imports plastic carrier bags into Sweden on a professional basis is subject to
reporting requirements. Parties responsible for reporting may also appoint an agent tosubmit their
data. However, you should remember that even if you engage an agent, responsibility still rests with
the responsible party under the ordinance.
The agent should report all of the data outlined above on behalf of the responsible parties they
represent. The agent must also provide their own contact details. The agent must report the data per
party responsible for reporting. If the agent represents more than one party, it is not possible to
combine the data from several parties.
When should reports be submitted?
Reports are submitted retrospectively, by March 31 of the following year. The first report must
therefore be submitted by March 31, 2018 for the 2017 financial year. The reporting period will be
open from January until March 31, 2018.
How are reports submitted?
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently developing a reporting method and
will provide more information on its website in the third quarter of 2017.
Background
Plastic carrier bags are causing serious land and marine pollution all over the world. To combat this
problem, the EU resolved in 2015 that all Member States should reduce their consumption of
lightweight plastic carrier bags. This measure also aims to reduce the inefficient use of resources
caused by the current consumption of plastic carrier bags. The reporting requirements introduced by
the Swedish government are part of this effort. Records of the previous year’s data must be submitted
annually to the Swedish EPA. The EPA then reports this data to the EU.
The aim is to reduce the consumption of all plastic carrier bags and to ensure that lightweight plastic
carrier bags do not exceed 90 bags per capita and year by December 31, 2019, and 40 bags per
capita and year by December 31, 2025.
Legislation
Ordinance on Plastic Carrier Bags (2016:1041)
Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC
Questions and Answers
How does the reporting process work?
Between January 2018 and March 31, 2018, there will be a system in place for submitting data to the
Swedish EPA. Exactly how this system will work has not yet been finalized and the EPA will provide
more information in the third quarter of 2017.
What are “plastic carrier bags”?
Plastic carrier bags (also known as plastic bags, carry bags or plastic sacks) are supplied to
consumers for packing and carrying goods away from their point of sale.
What does the ordinance say about plastic carrier bags produced from degradable or recycled plastic?
All plastic carrier bags are subject to the same requirements, regardless of the plastic they are made
from. The exception is plastic carrier bags intended for multiple re-use.
Are plastic carrier bags also covered by the Ordinance on Producer Responsibility for Packaging?
Yes, plastic carrier bags are packaging and therefore covered by the Ordinance on Producer
Responsibility for Packaging.
More information about producer responsibility for packaging
How will the EPA ensure that all parties responsible for reporting submit accurate data?
We intend to maintain regular communication with the parties concerned to ensure the best-possible
working relationship.