Mauritius has banned import, manufacture, sale, or supply of a plastic bag as from 01st January 2016.
KAMPALA : Mauritius has banned import, manufacture, sale, or supply of a plastic bag as from 01st January 2016. The government has amended the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2015 so as to enable smooth transition to a plastic-free Mauritius.
The new regulation bans all the vest-type plastic bags, roll-on bags and Non-woven Polypropylene bags, which are designed to carry goods. However, import, manufacture, sale or supply of biodegradable and compostable plastic bags is allowed in conformance with standards specified in the regulation.
The following categories of plastic bags are exempted from the ban:-
a) Transparent roll-on bag used to carry fresh, chilled or frozen seafood, meat, poultry
b) Bags intended for waste disposal
c) Bags designed for agricultural purposes
d) Bags used for sampling and analysis
e) Packaging bags used to seal goods prior to sale in domestic or overseas market
f) Transparent pocket-type bags not exceeding 300 cm2 in size
g) Transparent re-sealeable bags with security tamper used by a passenger to contain liquids, aerosols or gels at an airport
h) Bags used by passengers from aircraft or ship for carrying personal belongings
i) Bags manufactured exclusively for export
j) Biodegradable plastic bags with clear display of particulars
k) Compostable bags with clear display of particulars
The ban on plastic bag usage by authorities is expected to boost bag production from other sources such as jute and cloth. This may lead to new job opportunities.
Website: www.scrapmonster.com
