Poland's beverage deposit system faces criticism and operational hurdles

Poland's new deposit (kaucja) scheme for beverage packaging is being defended by the Ministry of Climate and Environment against accusations that it could enable VAT‑carousel fraud. The ministry explains that the deposit follows the container through the supply chain—from producer to consumer—and is not applied to exported goods, warning that any misuse would be criminal.

Industry leaders, represented by Tomasz Suligowski, president of OK Operator Kaucyjny, say the multi‑operator rollout has been hampered by vague legislation and a lack of a neutral coordinating body. He likens the launch to starting a multi‑operator mobile network, stressing the need for precise rules, clear definitions, and technical solutions such as 2‑D codes on containers to ensure cost‑effective, automated returns.