EKO‑KOM: When Are You Required to Register Packaging and Pay Fees?

If your business uses packaging – import, packing, or takeaway sales – you may be required to contribute to the EKO-KOM system. Here’s a clear overview of how it works.

♻️ What is EKO-KOM?

EKO-KOM is an authorized packaging organization in the Czech Republic that ensures the collection and recycling of packaging waste. Businesses that place packaging on the market or into circulation are legally obliged to contribute to the recycling of these materials.

👥 Who has the obligation?

The obligation to register and pay the packaging fee applies to those who:

Import packaged goods from abroad (e.g., packaging, food, gastro products).
Pack or repackage goods and sell them to end customers.
Place packaging on the market under their own brand or within distribution.

This obligation may also apply to restaurants, online shops, or small food and beverage producers.

🗓️ When does the obligation start?

From the moment you first place packaging on the Czech market or into circulation.

From that moment, you must:

Sign a contract with EKO-KOM.
Keep records of packaging (by material, weight, and type).
Submit reports quarterly.
Pay the applicable fees.

🎯 Exemption for small businesses

You are exempt if you meet both of these conditions:

You place less than 300 kg of packaging per year on the market, and
Your annual turnover is below 25 million CZK.

→ You are not required to register, report, or pay any fees.

Attention: If you exceed either limit during the year, you must register within 60 days and start fulfilling your legal obligations.

🏪 Does it apply to your business?

Activity	EKO-KOM obligation
Import packaged goods	Yes
Pack takeaway food	Yes
Repackage goods into retail packaging	Yes
Sell goods with confirmed fee from supplier	No (if confirmed in writing)
Under 300 kg of packaging and turnover < 25 million CZK	No (exemption)

🔍 How to verify that the fee has been paid?

Usually, you can’t tell directly from the packaging whether the recycling fee has been paid. However, you can check these indicators:

Invoice details: A reliable supplier lists the EKO-KOM contract number or includes a note directly on the invoice.
“Green Dot” logo: May appear on packaging, but it’s not mandatory and doesn’t guarantee payment.
Supplier declaration: The supplier may provide a written statement confirming that the packaging fee was paid in the EKO-KOM system.

At Wepack.cz, we guarantee full transparency:
For all products subject to the EKO-KOM fee, we clearly state on the invoice that the fee has been paid.

⚠️ Penalties for non-compliance

Fines up to 1,000,000 CZK from the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP),
Retroactive payment of unpaid fees,
Administrative inspection and possible business suspension.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to join EKO-KOM if I only import packaged goods?

Yes. By importing packaged goods into the Czech market, you become the entity placing packaging on the market and therefore have legal obligations (unless your supplier has already paid the fee).

When should I register and how often do I report?

Is there an exemption for small companies?

Yes. If you place less than 300 kg of packaging per year and your turnover is under 25 million CZK, you are exempt. Once you exceed these limits, registration becomes mandatory.

Is the “Green Dot” logo mandatory?

No. The “Green Dot”/“EKO-KOM” symbol indicates a paid contribution, but it’s not mandatory and doesn’t itself prove compliance.

How can I prove that my supplier paid the fee?

You only need an invoice showing the contract number or a written confirmation from the supplier stating the fee was paid in the EKO-KOM system.

✅ Conclusion

The EKO-KOM obligation doesn’t only apply to large manufacturers. If you use packaging in your business, it’s important to understand your responsibilities. The system promotes recycling and helps avoid fines or unnecessary bureaucracy.

More information is available on the official website: www.ekokom.cz