Russia Freezes Eco-Coefficients for 2026

The Ministry of Natural Resources has drafted a government decree to keep the coefficients for environmental fees unchanged in 2026. Previously, these multipliers were set to increase significantly, but the new proposal aims to freeze them at current levels.

This freeze applies specifically to the coefficients that reflect the complexity of recycling various goods and packaging. While the multipliers will remain stable, the government continues to debate potential increases to the base rates of the environmental fee. The move is designed to offer businesses a smoother transition as they adapt to stricter waste disposal regulations.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has initiated a legislative proposal to stabilize the financial burden on businesses regarding waste management. The draft decree focuses on the environmental fee system, specifically the multipliers applied to base rates. According to the proposal, the current coefficients will remain in effect throughout 2026.

Under previous government plans, these values were expected to rise substantially. The original strategy involved increasing the multipliers for specific categories of recyclable goods and packaging by a factor of 1.5 to 2. This increase was intended to reflect the varying degrees of difficulty associated with processing different materials. However, the new draft effectively cancels this scheduled hike for the upcoming year.

The decision to freeze the multipliers is distinct from the ongoing discussions surrounding the base rates of the environmental fee. The draft explicitly states that the coefficient freeze will not influence the potential increase of the base rates. Debates regarding the base fee hikes are currently continuing within the government.

Despite the lack of resolution on base rates, the stabilization of the multipliers offers a strategic advantage for the corporate sector. By avoiding the projected 1.5 to 2-fold increase in multipliers, businesses gain a critical window for adaptation. This regulatory relief allows companies more time to organize logistics and invest in infrastructure necessary to meet increasingly strict recycling requirements.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is navigating a complex transition in Russia's waste management policy. The move to freeze the coefficients suggests a tactical adjustment to balance environmental goals with economic realities. While the government remains committed to tightening waste disposal standards, the implementation is being paced to prevent sudden shocks to the industry.

This approach indicates that while the regulatory framework is tightening, the specific financial mechanisms are being calibrated. The retention of current multipliers serves as a buffer, ensuring that the immediate focus for businesses remains on compliance planning rather than absorbing drastic cost increases associated with the complexity of recycling.

In summary, the Ministry of Natural Resources has proposed a significant policy shift by freezing the multipliers for the environmental fee in 2026. This action halts the previously planned 1.5 to 2-fold increase in these specific costs. The decision underscores the government's intent to support business adaptation to stricter recycling mandates, even as the debate over the base environmental fee rates remains unresolved. Stakeholders will be watching closely for the final approval of the decree and the outcome of the separate discussions on base rate increases.