Filenews 10 February 2023
As of February 18, 2023, it is forbidden to have a thin plastic carrier bag from product sellers at the points of sale. Lightweight plastic carrier bags are plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness of less than 50 microns (μm).
According to the announcement of the Department of Environment, the ban on the distribution of thin plastic carrier bags by retailers to customers concerns all points of sale of products, in which there is a commercial transaction, for the purpose of transporting or distributing the products sold. Indicative points of sale of products are the following:
- cashiers in supermarkets, department stores, kiosks, pharmacies, etc.
- purchase of products by ordering and home delivery, including online purchases
- purchase of products from one company and their transfer to another (internal trade).
Only lightweight plastic carrier bags, with a thickness of less than 50 microns, which are required for hygiene reasons or are provided as primary packaging of bulk food or when their use contributes to avoiding food waste, i.e. when the food comes into contact directly with the primary bag. These bags are mainly used in fruit shops, butchers, fish markets, and concern the first bag of placement of the product. In case of need to use a second bag, this is prohibited, as required by law.
The ban will not apply to lightweight plastic carrier bags with a thickness equal to and greater than 50 microns.
In addition, the ban also applies to biodegradable/compostable thin carrier bags with a wall thickness of less than 50 microns (μm) at the points of sale, since for the most part these bags contain a small percentage of plastic and the legislation does not provide for their exemption.
