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Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Non-Reusable Plastic Packaging: DGT doctrinal evolution

How the DGT's position on this topic has evolved, and the rulings it rests on.

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How the DGT's position has evolved

Settled doctrine High confidence 58 rulings · 2023–2025

Current position

Manufacturers, importers, and intra-Community purchasers of non-reusable plastic packaging are taxpayers of the tax. Intra-Community purchasers must self-assess the tax using Form 592 and comply with registration and stock book obligations. The refund of the tax is permitted to those who are not taxpayers if they prove the shipment outside the territory and the payment thereof.

The DGT's position remains constant regarding the definition of taxpayers and the obligations arising from intra-Community acquisitions. The exemption cases for medical products and the refund mechanisms for non-taxpayers who export products have been specified.

Turning points

  1. V1006-23

    Establishes the liability but exemption of packaging intended to contain medicines or medical products according to article 75.b) of Law 7/2022.

  2. V1717-23

    Defines that products intended to contain samples for in vitro analysis are not considered packaging as the samples are not goods.

  3. V2031-25

    Specifies the possibility of requesting a tax refund for non-taxpayers who prove the shipment outside the national territory.

Analysis based on 55 of 58 rulings with a stated position. Updated 23 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V0946-25 28 May 2025

The recipient of a cross-border acquisition is the plastic packaging tax payer

SG de Impuestos Especiales y de Tributos sobre el Comercio Exterior y sobre el Medio Ambiente
adquisición intracomunitariaenvases de plástico no reutilizableshecho imponibledevengocontribuyente Ley 7/2022LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 35.4
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0929-25 27 May 2025

German entity liable for plastic packaging tax on intracommunity acquisition

SG de Impuestos Especiales y de Tributos sobre el Comercio Exterior y sobre el Medio Ambiente
adquisición intracomunitariapoder de disposiciónenvases de plástico no reutilizableshecho imponiblecontribuyente Ley 7/2022LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3034-23 21 Nov 2023

Goods under inward processing are taxed upon release for free circulation

SG de Impuestos Especiales y de Tributos sobre el Comercio Exterior y sobre el Medio Ambiente
perfeccionamiento activodespacho a libre prácticaenvases de plástico no reutilizableshecho imponibleimportación Ley 7/2022Reglamento (UE) n.º 952/2013
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3011-23 20 Nov 2023

Refund of plastic packaging tax may be requested if exempt use is proven

SG de Impuestos Especiales y de Tributos sobre el Comercio Exterior y sobre el Medio Ambiente
envases de plástico no reutilizablesexencióndevolución del impuestoadquisición intracomunitariadestino efectivo Ley 7/2022LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 66
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2382-23 5 Sept 2023

Dosing and spray pumps are subject to the non-reusable plastic packaging tax

SG de Impuestos Especiales y de Tributos sobre el Comercio Exterior y sobre el Medio Ambiente
impuesto especialenvases de plástico no reutilizablesbombas dosificadorasbombas pulverizadorasámbito objetivo Ley 7/2022LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2274-23 27 Jul 2023

Tax refunds may be requested for plastic packaging leaving the national territory

SG de Impuestos Especiales y de Tributos sobre el Comercio Exterior y sobre el Medio Ambiente
envases de plástico no reutilizableshecho imponibleimportaciónadquisición intracomunitariadespacho a libre práctica Ley 7/2022LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 105.Uno
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
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