Can compostable wooden cutlery be used for on-site service in France?

Not in venues with more than 20 seats for on-site consumption; the rule looks at single use, not material. Takeaway, delivery, events and room service are out of scope.

Does the Spanish plastic tax cover wooden and bamboo products?

The tax measures kilos of non-recycled plastic; the wooden or bamboo item itself is outside it. Packaging with plastic layers, such as a wet-wipe sachet, needs its layer composition documented.

What changes in 2027?

The Dutch takeaway surcharge ends on 1 January 2027 and the Italian plastic tax MACSI starts the same day. PPWR has applied since August 2026.

EU single-use foodservice rules: seven countries, the 2026–2027 dates

Single-use foodservice items in the EU sit under two shared rules: the Single-Use Plastics Directive, applied since 2021, and the packaging regulation PPWR, applicable from 12 August 2026. Member states add their own layer: France requires reusable tableware for on-site consumption, Spain charges a plastic tax, Italy exempts certified compostable items, and the Dutch takeaway surcharge ends in 2027. The table gives the dates country by country.

Common ground: two EU rules

The Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904) has applied in every member state since 3 July 2021: plastic cutlery, straws and plates may not be placed on the market. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, 2025/40) applies from 12 August 2026; as a regulation it works without national transposition and has no grace period. Countries build on top of that baseline, and in one case below it.

Country table

CountryRuleDateStatus (October 2026)

FranceAGEC law: ban on plastic straws and cutlery1 January 2021In force, ahead of the EU directive

FranceReusable tableware for on-site consumption in venues with more than 20 seats, regardless of material1 January 2023In force; takeaway, delivery, events and room service are out of scope

FranceSeparate producer-responsibility scheme for wet wipes (TSUU), run by Citeo1 July 2025Operating; Triman and Info-tri marks mandatory on packaging

NetherlandsSurcharge on single-use plastic containers for takeaway (meerprijs)1 July 2023In force; ends 1 January 2027, the duty to offer a reusable alternative remains

NetherlandsBan on single-use cups and containers containing plastic for on-site consumption1 January 2024In force

SpainTax on non-recycled plastic (IEPNR), 0.45 € per kilo2023Being charged; exemption with UNE-EN 15343 documentation

SpainProducer register and SCRAP membership (RD 1055/2022), HORECA deadline30 June 2024In force

ItalyExemption from the SUP ban for UNI EN 13432/14995 certified compostable items with at least 60 % renewable content14 January 2022 (60 % threshold since 1 January 2024)In force; the Commission has objected, infringement risk

ItalyPlastic tax MACSI, 0.45 € per kilo1 January 2027Postponed eight times; the 2026 budget law set 2027

ItalyCONAI packaging contribution; the importer counts as producerIn forceDeclared by the importing party

GermanyPackaging Act (VerpackG): LUCID registration before the first shipment, participation in a dual systemIn forceNo first shipment without registration

EU-widePPWR packaging regulation12 August 2026Applicable, no grace period

TürkiyeSingle-use plastics regulation aligned with the EU directive and zero-waste targetsDraftScope and dates may change in the final text

How to read the table

The market where the goods are sold decides, not the seller's country. A product shipped from Istanbul to Lyon follows French rules.
The French on-site rule looks at single use, not material: a compostable fork is in scope too. Investment belongs in takeaway, delivery and events.
The Spanish tax measures kilos of non-recycled plastic, not products; do not claim an exemption for a wet-wipe sachet without the layer composition in writing.
The Italian exemption is contested; ask for the compostability certificate rather than relying on the exemption in a contract.
Two rows change in 2027: the Dutch surcharge ends and the Italian tax starts. Annual contracts should carry both dates.

Source

Every row is taken from the country regulation pages on this site, which link to the official gazettes and ministry texts. Dates verified as of October 2026; the Italy and Netherlands rows will be updated at the start of 2027.

Frequently asked

Can compostable wooden cutlery be used for on-site service in France?: Not in venues with more than 20 seats for on-site consumption; the rule looks at single use, not material. Takeaway, delivery, events and room service are out of scope.
Does the Spanish plastic tax cover wooden and bamboo products?: The tax measures kilos of non-recycled plastic; the wooden or bamboo item itself is outside it. Packaging with plastic layers, such as a wet-wipe sachet, needs its layer composition documented.
What changes in 2027?: The Dutch takeaway surcharge ends on 1 January 2027 and the Italian plastic tax MACSI starts the same day. PPWR has applied since August 2026.

Last updated: 2026-10-16