Guide · Legislation

Customers’ own boxes and cups from 12 Feb 2027: what bistros, cafés and restaurants must do

From 12 February 2027, customers can ask you to put their takeaway food or coffee into their own box or cup – and you must let them, at the same price. What the EU regulation says, what is still unclear and how to prepare.

The Vobalak.cz teamPublished 5 Nov 2026Updated 5 Nov 20266 min read

What exactly applies

Article 32 of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires businesses in the HORECA sector that sell drinks or ready meals in takeaway packaging to let customers, from 12 February 2027, have them filled into their own container. In practice, this means three things:

You must allow it. A customer brings a mug, a thermos or a box, and you put their takeaway food or drink into it.
Not more expensive and not on worse terms. Filling a customer’s own container must not cost more or be less favourable in any other way than selling in single-use packaging.
You must tell customers. Customers should find out directly on your premises from a clearly visible and legible sign or board.

On top of that come the Regulation’s general rules for refilling (Art. 28). You must tell customers which containers can be used, which hygiene rules apply and that they are responsible for the cleanliness and safety of their own container. You may refuse a container you consider unhygienic or unsuitable. You are not liable for hygiene or food safety problems caused by the customer’s container.

Who it affects

The obligation applies to businesses that offer takeaway food or drinks: cafés, bistros, restaurants with takeaway, fast-food outlets and snack stands. For mixed businesses, such as a bakery with a café, we believe it mainly applies to the part that sells food and drinks for immediate consumption. Unlike the offer of reusable packaging coming in 2028, there is no exemption for micro-enterprises here – so it also applies to a small bistro with one employee.

The Regulation is aimed at takeaway sales on premises where the customer hands you the container. How exactly the rule applies to delivery via apps is not yet clear – plan mainly for over-the-counter sales.

What doesn’t change

You can keep offering single-use packaging. The customer’s own container is an option for the customer, not an obligation. For everyone who doesn’t bring a container, you will still need boxes, bowls and cups.
You don’t have to give a discount. The Regulation requires that filling a customer’s own container is not more expensive. Whether you offer a discount for bringing your own cup is up to you.
The rules for eating in only change in 2030. From 1 January 2030, single-use plastic packaging and paper packaging with plastic will no longer be allowed for consumption on the premises.

How to prepare: checklist

A sign for customers. Place it visibly at the till or the pick-up counter. It should say that you fill customers’ own containers at the same price, which containers you accept (for example clean, closable and suitable for hot food), which hygiene rules apply and that customers are responsible for their own containers.
A procedure for staff. Agree how staff will handle a customer’s container – where to put it, what to serve the food with and how to check that the container is clean and big enough. Staff may politely refuse a container that doesn’t meet the rules.
Till and price list. If you currently charge for packaging separately, set up an item without packaging so that the final price is not higher than with single-use packaging.
Weight and portions. Measure the portion the same way as for a regular box – for example by weighing it or using the same ladle – so the customer gets what they pay for.
Stock of single-use packaging. Keep ordering based on actual use. Once you see how many customers bring their own containers, you can adjust the quantities.
Train your team. Briefly explain to staff why you are doing this and how to answer customers’ questions.

What is still unclear

Specific hygiene rules. The Regulation gives you the right to refuse an unsuitable container, but it doesn’t prescribe exactly what the rules should look like. You set them yourself – we recommend keeping them simple and the same for everyone. National authorities may provide more detail.
Inspections and fines. Member states must set penalties by 12 February 2027. In the Czech Republic, according to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI), the amendment to the Packaging Act that adapts Czech law to the Regulation is still being prepared, and it is not yet clear which authority will carry out inspections.
The inspectors’ approach. The Czech Chamber of Commerce is asking for inspections in the first year to focus mainly on advice and to give businesses time to put things right. For now this is a request, not a binding rule.

We will update this article as soon as Commission guidance or Czech legislation is published.

What comes next

Customers’ own containers are the first of several changes. From 12 February 2028, businesses (except micro-enterprises) must also offer reusable packaging for takeaway food and drinks, and from 1 January 2030, single-use plastic packaging and paper packaging with plastic will no longer be allowed for eating in.

You will still need good single-use packaging for takeaway after 2027. Take a look at our kraft bowls and boxes, paper coffee cups or sugarcane packaging.

FAQ

From when must I fill food into a customer’s own container?

From 12 February 2027. The obligation comes from Art. 32 of EU Regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), which applies directly across the whole EU.

Can I charge more for filling a customer’s own container?

No. Food or drink in the customer’s own container must not cost more or be offered on worse terms than in single-use packaging. You don’t have to give a discount, but you can.

Does this apply to a small café or bistro too?

Yes. The micro-enterprise exemption only applies to offering reusable packaging from 12 February 2028, not to customers’ own containers.

Can I refuse a dirty or unsuitable container?

Yes. Under Art. 28(4) of the Regulation, you may refuse a container you consider unhygienic or unsuitable, or if the customer does not follow the rules you have announced. You are not liable for hygiene problems caused by the customer’s container.

Do I have to stop selling food in single-use packaging?

No. You can keep offering single-use packaging. The customer’s own container is just another option.

How should I inform customers?

With a clearly visible and legible sign or board on your premises. It should say that you fill customers’ own containers at the same price, which containers can be used, which hygiene rules apply and that customers are responsible for their own containers.

Sources

We verified the information as of the date the article was last updated. This article is a practical overview for food businesses, not legal advice. For specific cases, please contact a lawyer or the relevant authority.