Portugal
Where Portugal stands on single-use plastics
Single-use plastics EPR in Portugal arrived in stages, and parts of it are still not operational. Tobacco-filter products have been in scope since 6 January 2023 under DL 78/2021. Cups entered from 1 January 2025. Balloons are listed as "em desenvolvimento" and wet wipes remain unconfirmed.
The regime is partly in force. Producers of tobacco-filter products and single-use plastic cups placed on the Portuguese market carry EPR obligations today. This includes importers of either product type. Foreign sellers must appoint a representante autorizado.
There is no volume threshold for any SUP category.
Before you can sell SUP products in Portugal
Registration runs through SILiAmb. The steps differ by product:
- Register or log in at siliamb.apambiente.pt.
- For cups: create an Enquadramento selecting the cup flow and a SIGRE scheme (Electrão, Novo Verde, SPV). The scheme is already operational.
- For tobacco filters: create an Enquadramento selecting the SIGRPT flow. The licensed scheme is Único, but its financial model has not been approved, so adherence cannot be completed.
- Submit annual declarations by 31 March (correction and estimate).
Cups that qualify as packaging need a second declaration in the packaging flow, each with its own registration number.
The dates ahead for single-use plastics in Portugal
The tobacco-filter scheme (Único/SIGRPT) remains blocked: producers can register but cannot adhere and pay until the financial model is approved. Balloons are under development. The SUP Directive's litter-cost provisions continue to shape national rules.
Non-registration and non-declaration are each classified as a contraordenação ambiental grave under the RGGR. Enforcement falls to the entities listed in Art. 116, not to APA directly.
Frequently asked questions about Portuguese single-use plastics EPR
What SUP producers and importers need to know.
Who has to register for single-use plastics EPR in Portugal?
Producers placing tobacco-filter products or single-use plastic cups on the Portuguese market. There is no volume threshold. Both categories require SILiAmb registration.
Is there a threshold or exemption for small producers?
No de minimis has been found on official Portuguese sources. The obligation applies from the first unit placed on the market.
Do foreign or online sellers need an authorised representative in Portugal?
Yes. Foreign producers must appoint a representante autorizado established in Portugal by written mandate under UNILEX/DL 78/2021.
What happens if I sell without registering?
Non-registration is classified as a contraordenação ambiental grave under the RGGR. This applies even though parts of the SUP regime are not yet fully operational.
