Economic Bodies Call for Withdrawal of Draft Decree on Environmental Fees

Economic bodies formally registered their objection to a draft decree amending regulations on environmental fees applied to various goods and products. They described the proposed rates as “excessively high”, noting that most would reach 3% of the value of covered items—far exceeding the currently enforced decree, which levies fees ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%, a level they stated “largely fulfils the intended environmental objective”.

Concerns over timing and economic impact

The bodies emphasized in a statement that introducing additional fees amid Lebanon’s severe operational constraints on institutions and its sharp economic contraction is “illogical”. They stressed that the proposal arrives amid ongoing war-related fallout and follows the recent “gasoline pricing decision”, thereby compounding living costs, raising production expenses, and intensifying pressure on an economy already gripped by a profound crisis.

Recovery priorities over new levies

They identified Lebanon’s primary challenge as reigniting economic activity and restoring growth—not imposing further taxes and fees that risk stifling economic performance and undermining recovery prospects. While reaffirming full support for environmental protection and sustainable waste management solutions, they argued that addressing waste should not rely on new charges borne by citizens and economic sectors. Instead, they advocated for incentive-based policies that strengthen economic activity and support production.

Risks to projected economic contraction

The bodies warned that the proposed fees would erode recovery opportunities in an economy projected to contract by more than 10% next year. They underscored the critical importance of the waste file while affirming that economic and social files constitute the nation’s highest-priority concerns—necessitating an approach that first strengthens the economic capacity of citizens and institutions, and secondly addresses environmental protection requirements.

Alternative revenue mechanisms urged

They stressed that resolving the waste issue must be paired with alternative mechanisms to secure necessary revenues. They noted the state has multiple options to increase income without placing additional burdens on citizens or productive sectors—including improving tax collection efficiency, combating tax evasion, and regularizing informal enterprises, which constitute nearly half of Lebanon’s economy yet pay no taxes or fees, depriving the treasury of substantial revenue. They also cited the obligation to hold actual polluters and environmental violators accountable for the damage they cause, and confirmed that alternative plans are already under discussion.

The economic bodies called on the government to withdraw the draft decree from the Cabinet’s agenda for tomorrow’s session and open space for further study and consultation with concerned parties. They affirmed their full readiness to engage alongside the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers in any governmental dialogue, workshop, or initiative aimed at developing scientifically grounded, practical, and sustainable waste solutions—ones that achieve stated environmental goals, spare citizens additional burdens, and preserve the foundations of economic recovery.