[Estonia] Beer Bottle Deposit Proposal

The Estonian Brewers Association is to submit a proposal to the Environment Ministry to set the flat-rate deposit payable on a standard glass bottle of beer at EEK 1.4 (EUR 0.09), it was reported. The EEK 1.4 deposit would apply to the returnable 0.5 litre bottles in which most of Estonia's beer brands are sold and could come into effect as early as 1 April 2004. "The price of EEK 1.4 is a suitable one, as it is the same price that beermakers pay for the bottles to Jarvakandi plant," said the manager of the industry association, Juri Kert. Estonian packaging law does not stipulate the size of the deposit on returnable containers. By law the price is set by the environment minister following proposals from producers or retailers.