Overdue eco-contribution exemptions welcomed by Chamber

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise yesterday welcomed the publication of application forms for eco-contribution exemptions.

“The publication of the forms is now expected to pave the way to a smooth exemptions procedure for eligible companies which, in the process, have had to pay their eco-contributions despite the existence of a Legal Notice that rendered them exempt because they had been disposing of their packaging waste responsibly and in line with the law,” said Helga Ellul, Malta Chamber president.

Mrs Ellul explained that the start of the exemptions process is positive on more than one level. Firstly, it will contribute to better fairness in the market. This is because bona-fide companies have had to absorb the double cost associated with packaging waste whereas their competitors managed to evade their obligations because there was and is practically no enforcement of the two relevant laws. On the environment level,the Chamber president said, this development will give renewed impetus for companies to join a waste packaging scheme – in line with their legal obligations. This in turn, will assist the country in a more efficient disposal of packaging waste through more efficient usage of packaging and better separation at source.

The conclusion of the eco-contribution story requires the completion of one final chapter, according to Mrs Ellul. This relates to the refunds that eligible companies are due for double payments of eco-contribution and waste management scheme charges made in the 2005-2010 period.

“The Malta Chamber also expects this issue to now be resolved without delay in order to ensure long overdue justice to companies that operate in full compliance of the law”.