This estimator is for general information only and not tax advice.
Rates and thresholds change. Please check the latest information on GOV.UK before relying on any figure.
UK Plastic Packaging Tax Estimator
Estimate your annual UK Plastic Packaging Tax liability for imported plastic packaging. Enter total weight (or pouch count and weight), recycled content, and the current rate and thresholds. All rates and thresholds are editable.
Enter the yearly total. This is overridden automatically when you fill in the pouch fields below.
Weight-based share of recycled plastic in the packaging. Typical value, please confirm with your data.
Rate from April 2025 - please check GOV.UK for the current rate.
Packaging with at least this share of recycled plastic is not taxed in this estimate. Editable.
Small producers and importers are exempt below this weight.
Optional: calculate weight from pouches
Fill in both fields to calculate total weight automatically. Leave either empty to enter the weight manually.
Your estimate
Estimated yearly tax amount in GBP.
Whether the exemption or recycled content rule applies.
Estimated tax divided by pouch count (needs pouch inputs).
Extra percentage points needed to reach the threshold.
This estimator is for general information only and not tax advice.
Rates and thresholds change. Please check the latest information on GOV.UK before relying on any figure.
How it's calculated
- Total weight (tonnes) = manual weight, or pouches x weight per pouch converted to tonnes. Imperial inputs are converted with 1 US ton = 0.907185 tonne and 1 oz = 28.3495 g.
- If total weight is below the annual exemption threshold, tax = 0 (below exemption threshold).
- Otherwise, if recycled content is at or above the threshold, tax = 0 (meets recycled content threshold).
- Otherwise, tax = weight in tonnes x tax rate (GBP per tonne).
- Tax per pouch = estimated tax / number of pouches.
- Recycled content to add = threshold - current recycled content, shown in percentage points when positive.
Defaults: rate 223.69 GBP per tonne (rate from April 2025), threshold 30 percent, exemption 10 tonnes. These are typical values, please confirm with your data and with GOV.UK. The estimate ignores any other relief, rule or definition that may apply to your packaging.
How to use
Enter your volumes
Type the yearly plastic packaging weight, or the number of pouches and weight per pouch.
Add recycled content and rates
Enter your recycled content share, then check the tax rate and thresholds against GOV.UK and edit them if needed.
Read the estimate
See the estimated tax, per-pouch cost and how much more recycled content would be needed to reach the threshold.
A worked example
Using the default values in the calculator (weight 12 tonnes, recycled content 0 percent, rate 223.69 GBP per tonne, threshold 30 percent, exemption 10 tonnes, 400,000 pouches).
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Total weight | 12 tonnes |
| Exemption check | 12 is not below 10, so continue |
| Recycled content check | 0 percent is below 30 percent, so taxable |
| Estimated tax | 12 x 223.69 = GBP 2,684.28 |
| Tax per pouch | 2,684.28 / 400,000 = GBP 0.0067 |
Default pouch weight is 30 g (400,000 x 30 g = 12 tonnes). Typical values, please confirm with your data.
FAQ
Who has to pay Plastic Packaging Tax?
In general it applies to producers and importers of plastic packaging that contains less than the required recycled content. Eligibility depends on official rules, so please check GOV.UK.
Does the tax apply to packaging imported already filled?
Official guidance covers both empty and filled imported packaging in many cases. Please confirm the current treatment of your products on GOV.UK.
How is recycled content measured?
It is based on the weight of recycled plastic as a share of total plastic in the packaging. Evidence and calculation rules are set by the authorities, so please confirm them on GOV.UK.
Can I change the tax rate and thresholds?
Yes. Rate, recycled content threshold and exemption threshold are all editable so you can update them when the official figures change.
Can you supply pouches with recycled content?
Please send us your structure, size and volume and we will advise what is possible and quote accordingly. Specifications are confirmed in your quotation.
Related tools
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