EU Deposit Return Schemes: National DRS Across Member States
Reference for deposit return schemes (DRS) across the European Union. Multiple member states have launched or are launching DRS under the Single Use Plastics Directive; rates and scope vary by country.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
The EU Single Use Plastics Directive and national legislation have driven the rollout of deposit return schemes across member states. Several countries have long-standing DRS (e.g. Croatia since 2006, Estonia since 2005); others have launched more recently (Latvia 2022, Slovakia 2022, Malta 2024, Austria 2025) or are preparing (Portugal 2025–2026, Czech Republic 2026, Spain). Deposit amounts and covered containers vary by country. Online merchants selling beverages into these markets must charge the applicable deposit and display it as a separate line item.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
10 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Croatia | Varies by container type |
| Estonia | Varies (e.g. €0.10 per container) |
| Latvia | Varies by container |
| Lithuania | Varies; high return rate (e.g. 92%) |
| Slovakia | Varies by container |
| Malta | Varies |
| Austria | Varies (e.g. €0.25–0.30) |
| Portugal | TBD |
| Czech Republic | TBD |
| Spain | TBD |
Croatia
Varies by container type
Beverage containers (bottles, cans); DRS launched Feb 2006
Estonia
Varies (e.g. €0.10 per container)
Beverage containers; operational since 2005
Latvia
Varies by container
Beverage containers; launched Feb 2022
Lithuania
Varies; high return rate (e.g. 92%)
Beverage containers; launched 2016
Slovakia
Varies by container
Beverage containers; launched Jan 2022
Malta
Varies
Beverage containers; launched Nov 2024
Austria
Varies (e.g. €0.25–0.30)
Beverage containers; launched Jan 2025
Portugal
TBD
Beverage containers; launching 2025–2026
National DRS in preparation
Czech Republic
TBD
Beverage containers; expected 2026
DRS in development
Spain
TBD
Beverage containers; planned
National DRS planned under EU directive
Enforcement
Producers and retailers must comply with national DRS obligations. Non-compliance can result in fines and enforcement in the relevant member state.
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed semi-annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- EU Single Use Plastics Directive and National DRS
- Country
- European Union
- Jurisdictions
- 10
- Category
- Container Deposits
Explore EU Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) Rollout in practice
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Related use cases
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More container deposits
Other regulations in this category.
Australian Container Deposit Schemes
Reference for Australia's container deposit schemes (CDS) operating in all states and territories with a uniform 10-cent refund per eligible beverage container.
View fee schedule →CanadaCanadian Provincial Container Deposit Programs
Reference for Canadian provincial container deposit-return programs covering refundable deposits on bottles, cans, and other beverage containers across all provinces with active programs.
View fee schedule →GermanyGerman Pfand (Deposit-Return System)
A reference for Germany's Pfandpflicht deposit-return system. Covers Einweg (single-use) and Mehrweg (reusable) container deposit amounts and the beverages they apply to.
View fee schedule →HungaryHungary Deposit Return Scheme (MOHU)
Reference for Hungary's national deposit return scheme operated by MOHU, requiring a refundable 50 HUF deposit on single-use glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers.
View fee schedule →IrelandIreland Deposit Return Scheme (Re-Turn)
Reference for Ireland's national deposit return scheme (Re-Turn), requiring refundable deposits of 15–25 cents on PET plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans sold in Ireland.
View fee schedule →NetherlandsNetherlands Statiegeld (Deposit-Return System)
Reference for the Netherlands' Statiegeld deposit-return system requiring refundable deposits of €0.15–€0.25 on plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
View fee schedule →Ready to get started?
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