Nonthaburi, The Minister of Commerce assigned the Department to promote international trade. Enhance knowledge of Thai producers and exporters after Spain passed a new law. Beverage products in plastic containers not exceeding 3 liters must use caps that attach to the bottle. It will come into effect on July 3, along with a plan to push production using SDG principles towards green. Create a handicap for Thai products Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, revealed that as assigned to the Department of International Trade Promotion Ministry of Commerce and Director of the Office of Overseas Trade Promotion or commercial ambassadors stationed in various countries around the world, surveying trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Recently, a report was received from Ms. Patcharamonthon Trakulthiwakorn, Commercial Attache in Madrid, Spain, regarding Spain's preparations to enforce EU requirements under Directive (EU) 2019/904 on reducing the impact of plastics. To the en vironment, dated June 5, 2019, has passed a law requiring beverage products in plastic containers not exceeding 3 liters to use caps that attach to the bottles. and will come into effect starting on July 3, 2024. In this regard, the enactment of the said law The commercial ambassador reported that in addition to meeting EU requirements, Spain wants to move towards green adaptation, reducing waste, fighting environmental pollution caused by plastic bottles. and especially plastic bottle caps And production also complies with standards approved at the European Union level. From January 1, 2025, PET bottles can be sold on the market. Plastic packaging must contain at least 25 percent recycled plastic from 1 January 2030. that are available in the market It must contain at least 30 percent recycled plastic. for consumer adjustment It has adapted and will inevitably become a new behavior. As for the producers and entrepreneurs in the industry The preparations have already been made. By adjusting the appearance o f the packaging so that it can still be sold in the market, at the same time, packaging manufacturers are rushing to create innovations to meet the most convenient consumption needs, such as designing bottle attachments to cause minimal disruption to consumers or Use alternative cover materials such as stainless steel. However, previously, from January 1, 2023, Spain has enacted a tax on single use plastic packaging to prevent and reduce the impact of plastic products on the environment, 0.45 euros per kilogram. It is collected from the production, importation, and acquisition of single-use plastic packaging. Semi-finished plastic products for production used in packaging Products are packaged in sealed plastic for single use and for marketing purposes based on the amount of plastic that is not recycled (kilograms). Taxpayers are also required to submit monthly or quarterly self-assessments. For the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT), except in the case of imports, however, this law stipulates exceptions, for example, it does not apply to imported goods in small quantities. Containers designed for the packaging and distribution of medicines. Hygiene products Food for special medical use Infant formula used in hospitals and hazardous waste Regulations for exporting products to the European Union There is rapid change all the time. In addition, there is a trend of continuously increasing concentration. Especially in terms of environmental friendliness, greenness and sustainability. Therefore, Thai entrepreneurs must follow the regulations closely and, importantly, new players who want to penetrate the market. Must add weight to adapting to green business. To build competitive capabilities and create an international trade landscape which has been assigned to the Department of International Trade Promotion Accelerate knowledge of manufacturers Thai exporter To understand the rules and prepare to adapt To aim for sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Goals:SDG), such as designing production processes that reduce waste emissions. Creating innovation for products Using environmentally friendly packaging It will help Thai entrepreneurs have an advantage. Conduct business with direction There is a worthwhile investment. Have the ability to compete on the international stage and grow sustainably . Source: Thai News Agency