HMRC have updated the guidance on the steps to take concerning Plastic Packaging Tax, which comes into force on 1 April 2022, charging a rate of £200 per tonne.

For businesses who are manufacturing or importing 10 or more tonnes of plastic packaging within a 12-month period, may need to register for the tax. The tax will only apply to manufacturers and importers of plastic components which contain less than 30% recycled plastic.

Packaging should only contain recycled plastic where it’s permitted under other regulations and food safety standards.

Two decision trees are also available to determine what plastic packaging is in scope of the tax and who is required to account and potentially pay tax on the plastic packaging.

HMRC has organised webinars on ‘introduction to plastic packaging tax’, covering how the tax will operate, and on ‘administrative and technical aspects’, dealing with the technical points about recycled plastic and exemptions from the tax.

Decision trees:

Work out which packaging is subject to plastic packaging tax

Register for plastic packaging tax

On demand webinar:

Introduction to Plastic Packaging Tax

Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign and the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology have collaborated to provide specific guidance on how to develop and implement allergy policies which recognise children at risk. The guidance also includes measures to minimise risks, as well as define what constitutes as adequate training for school staff.

The new ‘Model Policy for Allergen Management at School Guidance’ has been designed to complement the existing government statutory guidance across the UK nations and provides a level of specific detail on supporting children with allergies to strengthen the current generic guidance.

By implementing these guidelines schools will be able take a proactive approach to working towards preventing future childhood deaths from anaphylaxis whilst pupils are in their care.

To view the guidance, click here.

The Association of Convenience stores (ACS) has launched a comprehensive guide for retailers to help them untangle the complexity of upcoming regulations restricting high fat, salt, sugar (HFSS) products in stores.

The new Assured Advice guide on HFSS regulations, which are coming into force in October this year, covers everything retailers need to know on the key areas of the regulations, including:

• How to work out whether your store will be in scope of the regulations
• Which areas of the store you can exclude when calculating your relevant floor space
• Which categories of products are affected
• Which promotions are restricted
• How the location restrictions work, and who is included within them
• How to work out the restricted area at the entrance of the store
• Which other areas around the store are subject to location restrictions (e.g. around the tills)

Retailers with stores are over 2000 sq ft and businesses with over 50 employees will be required to follow the new regulations.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The introduction of HFSS regulations marks one of the biggest operational changes in the grocery retail sector in living memory, so it is absolutely crucial that retailers know what they will have to do ahead of October. Our guidance provides important clarity for retailers dealing with the complexity of the regulations, and provides a blueprint for stores to start work now on how they’re going to adapt their businesses in the coming months.”

“We are disappointed that DHSC have yet to issue their guidance on the regulations. But with only 8 months to go convenience retailers needs clarity to begin making the necessary investments to refit their stores and train their store colleagues.”

The guide can be downloaded here.

 

The UK’s Biological Security Strategy, published in July 2018, brought together for the first time the work that takes place across government to protect the UK and our interests from significant biological risks.

Significant outbreaks of disease are amongst the highest impact risks faced by the UK. The UK biological security strategy draws together for the first time the work taking place across government to protect the UK and its interests from significant biological risks, no matter how these occur and no matter who or what they affect.

The 2018 strategy identifies several significant biological security risks relating to human health, animal and plant health, the environment, accidental release, and deliberate attack, including:

• a major health crisis (such as pandemic influenza or new infectious disease)
• antimicrobial resistance
• a deliberate biological attack by state or non-state actors (including terrorists)
• animal and plant diseases, which themselves can pose risks to human health
• accidental release and dual-use research of concern

This call for evidence has been launched to inform a refresh of the Biological Security Strategy by providing a platform for external input and challenge on the strategy and its delivery. The UK government is consulting with a wide range of stakeholders across and beyond government to inform its development. Input from technical experts on this call for evidence is encouraged, including those with a background in biological engineering, biological security, contingency planning, and other related technical fields.

For more information or to respond to the consultation, click here.