Document 193 - Amendment to the Packaging Act

Published date: 14.05.2026 |Processed date: 14.05.2026 |Session 10

Summary

The proposal amends the Packaging Act to explicitly define the activities of an authorised packaging company as a service of general economic interest and to enhance consumer convenience when sorting packaging waste. It introduces stricter rules on the independence of the company from waste companies, limits shareholders’ ownership and prevents profiteering or speculative share trading. At the same time, it makes it compulsory to provide a denser network of collection points and allows administrative support to be provided to other collective schemes. The changes are intended to increase transparency, fairness of competition and environmental protection.

Topics

Additional documents

Additional document 1

Government opinion on Print No. 193/0

Processed date: 10.06.2026

Scope: pages 1–4.

The government supports the proposed amendment to the Packaging Act but points out several significant issues that need to be addressed. In particular, it criticizes the unclear definition of conflicts of interest and the independence of authorized packaging companies from waste management companies, which may cause difficulties in interpretation and application. At the same time, it points out legislative technical shortcomings and potential constitutional concerns, as the draft could force companies to reduce their capital and shareholders to limit their stakes. According to the government, the proposed effective date of July 1, 2026, is unrealistic.

Additional document 2

Resolution of the Committee on the Environment on Parliamentary Print No. 193/0

Processed date: 01.10.2026

Scope: pages 1–2.

The Environment Committee recommends that the Chamber of Deputies approve the proposed amendment to the Packaging Act as drafted. The bill aims to ensure more transparent operations of authorized packaging companies and better conditions for the sorting of packaging waste. The Committee also instructs the rapporteur to submit a report and make technical amendments to the legislation.

Laws affected by this document

477/2001- Zákon o obalech a o změně některých zákonů (zákon o obalech)