Environmental Fee 2025–2030 in Russia: Who Pays and How to Reduce It

The environmental fee is a payment within the EPR (extended producer responsibility) system. It is paid by companies that produce or import goods and packaging if they have not ensured waste recycling up to the established standard.

Since 2024–2025 EPR requirements have become stricter: the rules for calculation and payment have been updated, oversight has been strengthened, and errors in reporting can lead to large fines. For companies working with packaging and plastic, it is important to build the process in advance — otherwise the eco fee turns into a constant growth in costs.

Who pays the environmental fee

The obligation usually arises for:

• producers of goods/packaging on the EPR list;
• importers who bring in such goods/packaging.

If a company has confirmed compliance with the recycling standard (independently or through contractors), the environmental fee may be zero.

How to calculate the environmental fee

A simplified formula for budget planning:

Eco fee = Mass (t) × Rate (RUB/t) × (Standard − Actual recycling)

Example: if you placed 100 tonnes of packaging on the market and did not confirm recycling, the payment will depend on the rate and the standard for the relevant product group.

Deadlines and reporting

EPR reports and calculations are usually submitted annually by 15 April for the previous year (depending on your status and the EPR compliance scheme). To avoid risks, keep a calendar:

1. collecting data on the mass of goods/packaging,
2. confirming recycling (documents/certificates/registers),
3. preparing and submitting the reports,
4. payment (if a fee arises).

Fines and risks

The main risks are failure to submit reports, errors in mass/lists, unconfirmed recycling and late payments. As a result, serious fines, inspections and the blocking of some deals with counterparties (due to compliance) are possible.

How to reduce the environmental fee: 3 working strategies

1) Put your data in order (the fastest effect)

• collect the entire product range and packaging,
• check it against the EPR list,
• calculate the mass by group,
• remove duplicates and "grey areas" (this is often where overpayment occurs).

2) Fulfil EPR through recycling

If a business can confirm recycling at the standard level, the payment is reduced down to zero. The key: the right contractors + correct documents.

3) A combined model

For part of the range we confirm recycling, for part we pay the eco fee. This is often optimal for companies with a wide catalog.

30-day action plan

1. Audit of goods and packaging: list + mass.
2. "As is" calculation: how much eco fee there will be without optimization.
3. Choice of scheme: pay or confirm recycling (or a mix).
4. Contracts and documents: prepare the recycling confirmation.
5. Annual calendar: deadlines, responsible persons, control.

Who definitely pays the eco fee?
Producers and importers of goods/packaging on the EPR list, if they have not confirmed recycling to the standard.

Can the eco fee be made zero?
Yes, if the recycling standard is met and confirmed.

When should reports be submitted?
Usually by 15 April for the previous year (check the requirements for your EPR scheme).

What matters most for reducing the payment?
Accurate mass accounting + correct confirmation of recycling.