Ban on the distribution and commercial use of certain plastic items in force |03 July 2017
Ms Laure showing some of the alternative bags that can be used in the place of plastic ones
As of July 1, 2017 there is a complete ban on the distribution and commercial use of certain plastic items on our local market.
The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate is currently running a series of media campaign to bring more awareness in the community. Since the beginning of this year the public especially business owners were informed of the restriction on the importation of these items and were given a grace period of six months (until June 30) to rid themselves of their existing stock.
The ban came into force on July 1, meaning that the business owners have to completely stop using the plastic forks, spoons, bags, etc.
Nanette Laure, director general in the Waste, Enforcement and Permit section, elaborated on the VAT exemption that the Ministry of Finance offers for businesses or individuals who are interested in importing alternatives.
“Indeed businesses can import alternatives but they will have to go through our ministry for approval of the material. Once approved, our ministry will ask for a VAT exemption from the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the business,” Ms Laure said.
Currently there are already many shops proposing alternative biodegradable bags and cloths bags.
“We know our habits and we all kept some plastic bags in a big bag at our home. It will take some time to get rid of all the individual bags but commercially we should not see any. We are urging people to bring along their bags when they go shopping and make the effort to get rid of our habit. We cannot police individuals but business owners will get a fine, if found not abiding by the law,” noted Ms Laure.
The Ministry of Environment is working closely with the Customs unit import section to monitor all the import permits.
The following is a list of plastic bags that are exempt from the ban:
Any plastic bag which is-
a)a bag designed to be used for the disposal of waste;
b)a zip-locked (re-sealable) bag for pharmaceutical dispensing or any other medical use.
c)a bag designed for agricultural purposes;
d)a bag used for the purpose of sampling or analysis;
e)a transparent re-sealeable bag with security tamper used by a passenger to contain liquids, aerosols or gels at an airport or on board of an aircraft or carried by a transfer passenger;
f)a bag carried by a passenger disembarking from an aircraft or a ship for the purpose of carrying personal belongings; and
g)a bag manufactured for export.
h)a bag used for perishables which has been portioned, pre packed and sold in frozen condition such as meat, poultry, fish, seafood, repacked whole or portioned vegetables and fruits (as clients need to see their quality).
i)a bag that constitutes or forms an integral part of the packaging in which goods are sealed prior to sale on the local market or for export such as ham, sausages and processed meat, meat products and other vacuumed packed products.
j)a bag used for repacked foods in granular forms such as pulses, sugar, rice, beans etc.
k)a bag used for packaging local snacks and products such as bread, banana chips, ice cakes etc. to preserve their freshness ,prevent rancidity and mould growth and prevent contamination during storage and transportation.
l)Transparent biodegradable plastic bag not less than 700cm2 and not more than 900cm2 for sole purpose of wrapping of fish and meat.
Ban on the distribution and commercial use of certain plastic items in force
As of July 1, 2017 there is a complete ban on the distribution and commercial use of certain plastic items on our local market.
The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate is currently running a series of media campaign to bring more awareness in the community. Since the beginning of this year the public especially business owners were informed of the restriction on the importation of these items and were given a grace period of six months (until June 30) to rid themselves of their existing stock.
The ban came into force on July 1, meaning that the business owners have to completely stop using the plastic forks, spoons, bags, etc.
Nanette Laure, director general in the Waste, Enforcement and Permit section, elaborated on the VAT exemption that the Ministry of Finance offers for businesses or individuals who are interested in importing alternatives.
“Indeed businesses can import alternatives but they will have to go through our ministry for approval of the material. Once approved, our ministry will ask for a VAT exemption from the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the business,” Ms Laure said.
Currently there are already many shops proposing alternative biodegradable bags and cloths bags.
“We know our habits and we all kept some plastic bags in a big bag at our home. It will take some time to get rid of all the individual bags but commercially we should not see any. We are urging people to bring along their bags when they go shopping and make the effort to get rid of our habit. We cannot police individuals but business owners will get a fine, if found not abiding by the law,” noted Ms Laure.
The Ministry of Environment is working closely with the Customs unit import section to monitor all the import permits.
The following is a list of plastic bags that are exempt from the ban: