The Single-Use Plastics Reduction Regulations have been introduced by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy to curb the use of disposable plastics.
According to the regulations, import, manufacture, and sale of banned single-use plastics will carry fines of up to USD 6,485. The regulation mandates the development of a national plan to reduce all disposable plastics up to 2030, with completion targeted by October 2027.
The regulation states that the plan must be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, considering environmental and economic impacts, availability of alternatives, and public awareness.
The regulations will come into force in September this year. It reinforces an existing Presidential Decree issued in December 2021 banning 13 categories of single-use plastics, with phased implementation of restrictions on import, sale, use, and manufacture. The Environmental Regulatory Authority is empowered to enforce the rules and impose penalties on violations.
The banned items include items such as plastic straws, cups, cutlery, stirrers, styrofoam food containers, small plastic sachets, and certain small-volume plastic packaging and bags. Other items include toiletries packed in miniature plastic bottles, cotton buds with a plastic rod, and plastic shopping bags that are smaller than 30 centimetres.