Latvia introduces deposit system for e-cigarettes; amendments to Waste Management Law enter into force

The Latvian parliament has enacted amendments to the Waste Management Law, bringing significant changes to waste management practices. The most notable is the establishment of a deposit system for electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes), set to launch on February 1, 2027. Latvia will be the first European country to implement such a nationwide system.

The law defines new terms, including "deposit device" – a single-use e-cigarette with a non-rechargeable battery. These devices must bear a machine-readable identifier and packaging must indicate the deposit system. Producers are required to transfer the deposit fee to the system operator, while retailers must display the deposit fee separately on price tags and register purchases in the system. The deposit fee is expected to be one euro, paid by the consumer at purchase and refunded via cashless transfer upon return of the used device to an automated collection point.

The amendments also clarify the cost coverage for household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), transposing EU Directive 2024/884. It stipulates that producers cover costs for devices placed on the market before August 2005.

Battery management regulations have been updated to include all categories under the EU Battery Regulation – from portable to electric vehicle batteries. The State Environmental Service (VVD) becomes the competent authority, and producers must ensure separate collection as per the regulation.

Starting January 1, 2026, the Waste Transport Accounting System (APUS) will record not only transport but also collection, recycling, and disposal activities, improving data quality. Additionally, the range of institutions authorized to conduct administrative offense proceedings in waste management has been expanded to resolve ambiguities in penalizing violations of municipal binding regulations.