The Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries, Disaster Management, and Information hereby informs the general public that as 1 February 2019, the ban on the import of single-use plastic shopping bags with handles will take effect.
This is part of a phased approach towards sustainable waste management, environmental protection and health. Key dates are as follows:
1 February 2019: Phase 1 – Ban on importation and local manufacture of single-use plastic shopping bags with handles. A 10-month interval will follow to allow for depletion of stocks on island. This interval will conclude on 1 December 2019.
1 December 2019: Phase 2 – Ban on the sale or offer for sale of single-use plastic shopping bags with handles.
1 February 2020: Phase 3 – No person shall offer for sale any food item in or with a single-use plastic shopping bag with handle.
All importers are encouraged to ensure that the current stock level of single-use plastic bags is depleted by 1 December 2019 and to commence sourcing of alternative items. An approved list of alternative products is available from the ministry, as well as a list of overseas companies where products can be sourced.
The ministry remains committed to the implementation of the 2018 Non-biodegradable Waste Control Act and calls upon vendors, importers, retailers, supermarkets and the general public at large for their support.
Ministry of Climate Resilience
Indeed.Handles or no handles,a plastic bag is still plastic.So signal must go out,no plastic bags whether in supermarkets,fish markets ,the bakeries, corner shops or local fruit and veg markets if we are serious.