Economic instruments for environmental protection and the financing of environmental expenditures

As of the beginning of 2012, Bulgaria applied a levy for the discharge of wastewater and pollutants into surface and groundwater bodies. The corresponding tax rates are established in the 2011 Decree on Charge rates for water abstraction, use of water bodies and for pollution, No. 50. The water pollution tax has also been included in the 2015 amendments to the Water Act (SG No. 58). The Water Act also contains a provision for a tax on diffuse source pollution from agriculture, which, however, is due only in cases where neither the tax on wastewater discharge into surface waters nor that on the discharge of pollutants into groundwater has been paid.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Climate Action

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions