Germany Told To Change Rules

The EU Commission has made a formal request to Germany to change its packaging rules on the deposit and return of its one-way packaging, a rule that has hit sales of cans and plastic bottles. While the Commission sees the environmental benefit of charging a deposit and of taking back packaging, it believes that the way in which the deposit and return systems function in Germany constitutes a disproportionate barrier to the free movement of packaged drinks from other EU member states. Around 95% of imported drinks are packaged in one-way packaging. If Germany has not responded to the Commission's request by June, the Commission can decide to take the matter to the European Court of Justice. (whole item)