The Ministry of the Environment has issued a communiqué regarding the presence of Fake biodegradable and compostable plastic bags, bearing fictitious name of manufacturers, as well as fictitious phone numbers and contact details, are being manufactured and sold on the local market. It is reminded that no person shall import or manufacture a biodegradable or compostable plastic bag unless he is registered with the Director of Environment.
Regulations 2020 shall commit an offence and shall be liable to the payment of fines as follows: –
- possession or use of plastic bags – fine not exceeding Rs2,000;
- sale or distribution of plastic bags – fine not exceeding Rs20,000;
- manufacture, importation or exportation of plastic bags- fine not exceeding Rs100,000; and
- importation or manufacture of biodegradable or compostable plastic bags not compliant with the authorisation conferred by this Ministry under regulation 6 – fine not exceeding Rs100,000.
- Any person who otherwise contravenes the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020, shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Rs25,000.
Here is the press release:
