If your business uses packaging—whether you import goods, package products, or sell takeaway food—you may be required by law to contribute to the EKO-KOM system. In this article, you will learn:
- Who is required to comply,
- When the obligation begins,
- What the exemptions are,
- What happens if the rules are broken,
- And how to check if the packaging fee has been paid.
What is EKO-KOM?
EKO-KOM is an authorized packaging company in the Czech Republic that manages the system for sorting and recycling packaging waste. Businesses that place packaging on the market or into circulation are legally obliged to contribute to the recycling of these packages.
Who is required?
Businesses that must register packaging and pay the fee are those who:
- Import packaged goods from abroad (e.g., packaging, food, gastronomy products).
- Package or repackage goods that are then sold to end customers.
- Place packaging on the market under their brand or as part of distribution.
This obligation may also apply to:
- Restaurants and food service businesses offering takeaway meals,
- E-shops selling goods in packaging or assembling them,
- Small food or beverage manufacturers.
When does the obligation begin?
The moment you first place packaging on the market or into circulation in the Czech Republic.
From that moment, you are required to:
- Sign a contract with EKO-KOM.
- Keep records of packaging (by material, weight, and type).
- Submit quarterly reports.
- Pay the applicable fees.
Exemption for small businesses
Since 2023, small business exemptions apply:
If you meet both of these conditions:
- You place less than 300 kg of packaging per year on the market,
- Your annual turnover is up to 25 million CZK,
→ You are not required to register, record, report, or pay fees.
Note: If during the year you exceed any of these limits, you must register within 60 days and begin fulfilling the legal obligations.
Does this apply to your business?
| Activity | EKO-KOM obligation |
|---|---|
| Import packaged goods | Yes |
| Package takeaway food | Yes |
| Repackage goods into retail packaging | Yes |
| Sell only goods with a supplier-paid fee | No (if documented) |
| Have up to 300 kg of packaging and turnover up to 25 mil. CZK | No (exemption) |
How to know if the packaging fee has been paid?
- Invoice details: A reliable supplier includes the EKO-KOM contract number or the corresponding declaration directly on the invoice.
- "Green Dot" logo: May appear on the packaging, but its presence alone does not guarantee payment.
- Declaration of packaging fee payment: The supplier can provide a statement confirming the fee was paid to EKO-KOM.
At Wepack.cz, we guarantee transparency:
For all products subject to EKO-KOM fees, we indicate on the invoice that the fee has been paid.
Note: The obligation to record packaging applies to all companies placing packaging on the market—restaurants, shops, or manufacturers.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
- Fines up to 1,000,000 CZK from the Czech Environmental Inspection (ČIŽP)
- Back payment of fees
- Administrative inspection and possible suspension of business activity
Conclusion
The EKO-KOM obligation does not only apply to manufacturers and large companies. If you use packaging in your business, it’s important to know your responsibilities, especially if you exceed the specified limits. The system supports recycling—helping you avoid fines and unnecessary administration.
For more information about the EKO-KOM system, visit the official website: www.ekokom.cz