EKO-KOM: When do you have to register packaging and pay fees?

Guide for entrepreneurs

EKO-KOM: when do you have to keep packaging records and pay fees?

If your business uses packaging, imports goods from abroad, packs takeaway food or sells products in packaging, you may be required to keep packaging records and participate in the EKO-KOM system.

Approx. 5-minute read Updated 2026

Less than 300 kg of packaging per year for the exemption

Turnover up to CZK 25 million second condition for the exemption

Within 60 days registration after the obligation arises

What is EKO-KOM?

EKO-KOM is an authorised packaging company that operates the collective compliance system for take-back and recovery obligations for packaging waste in the Czech Republic. In practice, it is a system through which companies contribute to sorting, collection and recycling of packaging.

Important: This obligation does not apply only to packaging manufacturers. It may also apply to companies that import packaged goods, pack takeaway food, re-pack products or place packaging into circulation in the Czech Republic.

Who has to keep packaging records?

The obligation may apply to businesses that place packaging or packaged products on the market or into circulation in the Czech Republic. The most common situations include:

Import from abroad

You import packaged goods, packaging or packaging materials into the Czech Republic.

Packing goods

You pack takeaway food, use packaging for customers or re-pack products.

Sale and distribution

You resell packaging, place it on the market under your own brand or as part of distribution.

In practice, this obligation may apply to restaurants, bistros, cafés, e-shops, food manufacturers, importers, distributors and wholesalers.

When does the obligation begin?

The obligation arises when you first place packaging or a packaged product on the market or into circulation in the Czech Republic. From that moment, you need to deal with registration, packaging records, regular reports and payment of the relevant fees.

Obligation arises

You start importing, packing, re-packing or selling packaging or packaged products in the Czech Republic.

Registration

The most common solution is to conclude a contract with the authorised packaging company EKO-KOM.

Packaging records

You keep records by material, weight, packaging type and period.

Report and payment

You submit regular reports and pay fees according to the amount of packaging.

Important exemption

Exemption for small businesses

The obligation to register, keep records and pay fees may not apply to small businesses if they meet both conditions below at the same time.

Less than 300 kg of packaging per calendar year

Annual turnover up to CZK 25 million per calendar year

Please note: The exemption applies only if both conditions are met at the same time. If you exceed one of the limits during the year, you need to start dealing with the obligation and be able to prove your records.

Does this apply to your business?

Below is a quick overview of the most common situations in food service, e-shops, manufacturing and wholesale.

Activity	EKO-KOM obligation	Note
You import packaged goods from abroad	Yes	Typically, you are the person placing the packaging on the market in the Czech Republic.
You pack takeaway food in disposable packaging	Yes	For example menu boxes, bowls, cups, bags or pouches.
You re-pack goods or use your own label	Yes	This may mean placing packaging into circulation under your business activity.
You sell goods for which the fee has already been paid	Usually not	It is advisable to have proof that the supplier fulfilled the obligation.
You are under 300 kg of packaging and under CZK 25 million turnover	No	Applies only if both limits are met at the same time.

How do you know that the packaging fee has been paid?

If you buy packaging from a supplier, it is important to have clear proof that the packaging fee has been handled in the EKO-KOM system. A logo on the packaging alone may not be sufficient proof.

Information on the invoice

The supplier may state that the packaging fee has been paid, or include the EKO-KOM contract number.

Supplier declaration

You can request confirmation that the fee for the specific packaging has been paid in the EKO-KOM system.

Archiving documents

Keep invoices, supplier declarations and other documents for a possible inspection.

Transparency at Wepack.cz

For products from Wepack.cz, we state on the invoice that the packaging fee has been paid. This gives you clearer documentation for accounting and possible inspection.

What should be recorded?

Packaging records should be clear and traceable. In practice, the main items tracked are material, weight, packaging type and the period in which the packaging was placed on the market or into circulation.

Material Paper, plastic, glass, metal, wood or composite materials.

Weight How many kilograms of packaging were placed on the market or into circulation.

Packaging type Sales, grouped, transport or reusable packaging.

Documents Invoices, delivery notes, technical sheets and warehouse documents.

What are the risks if obligations are breached?

If a company does not deal with its obligations, an inspection may cause problems. The risk is not only the fees themselves, but also proving records retrospectively and possible penalties.

The fine can reach up to CZK 1,000,000.
It may be necessary to pay fees retroactively according to the amount of packaging.
The company must be able to prove correct records and documents.
Import or distribution may create additional administrative complications.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, importing packaged goods into the Czech Republic is a typical situation where you may be the person placing the packaging on the market.

Do restaurants have to deal with takeaway packaging?

They may have to. If a business packs food in disposable packaging and places it into circulation, it is necessary to check whether the obligation applies.

Is it enough that the supplier uses the Green Dot logo?

The logo alone is not ideal proof. It is better to have information on the invoice or a written supplier declaration that the packaging fee has been paid.

How often are reports submitted?

For EKO-KOM clients, reports are usually handled quarterly according to the amount of packaging placed on the market or into circulation.

Does the exemption for small companies apply automatically?

If you meet both conditions, meaning less than 300 kg of packaging per year and turnover up to CZK 25 million, you may fall under the exemption. During an inspection, however, you must be able to prove that these limits were met.

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal or tax advice. For a specific situation, we recommend verifying the obligation directly with EKO-KOM or a professional adviser.