2025.03.12
APPLiA's consultation response on economic instruments for a more circular economy
On March 11, APPLiA submitted a response to the report by SOU 2024:67 ”On economic instruments for a more circular economy.” APPLiA believes that the report has an outdated view of waste and emphasizes that products are now seen as a resource.
APPLiA is critical of the chemicals tax, arguing that it distorts competition, is administratively burdensome and lacks positive environmental effects. They point out that the tax has not achieved its purpose of reducing hazardous substances in domestic environments and should therefore be abolished.
Furthermore, APPLiA mentions that the simplified deduction system from July 2023 has led to a sharp increase in tax revenue, which was not intended. They propose that tax rates be reduced to the levels before July 2023 and that market control be strengthened to avoid unfair competition. APPLiA also points out that the tax restricts free trade and creates an unfair situation where heavy products such as washing machines are burdened with the maximum tax simply because of their weight. There is no evidence that the tax has reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals in Swedish homes.
In summary, APPLiA believes that the chemicals tax should be abolished because it does not achieve its purpose and instead creates negative consequences for Swedish companies and consumers.
