From 1 January, the particulate filter test will be a mandatory part of the General Periodic Test (APK). All diesel vehicles that must have a particulate filter must pass this test. A total of 1.2 million vehicles are affected. Diesel cars with a broken or removed particulate filter harm the environment and our health. The structural environmental impact of introducing the new test is a reduction in particulate matter emissions by 121 thousand kg per year. More information on diesel vehicles.
From 1 January, packaging producers will be responsible for collecting and processing their packaging released in commercial waste. This responsibility already applied to household waste. More information on producer responsibility for commercial waste. From 5 January, producers of certain plastic products (e.g. balloons, wet wipes, tobacco products, bags and drinking cups) are also required to help pay for litter clean-up. These producers will also be obliged to encourage consumers to prevent litter. With this obligation, the amount of (plastic) litter decreases and the harmful effects on the environment and health are reduced. More information for producers of disposable plastic.
On 12 January, European regulations come into force that impose new requirements on tap water. There will be better monitoring for substances that might be a problem for drinking water quality. In addition, insight on legionella will be improved, to keep the risks of it small.
Source: RVO
