Fake biodegradable products flood market after ban on single-use plastics

Fake “biodegradable” retail plastic bags have reportedly showed up in retail outlets in the wake of a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic products.

The ban, which took effect in March 2021, also stipulated a fine of up to Rs 100,000 in case of breach.

Mauritian authorities have just issued a fresh order warning against the use of plastic bags exceeding 50micrograms.

Such bags should also conspicuously display the name and contact address of the importer or manufacturer; the country of origin; the batch number and production date; the standards complied with and the materials used; and the expiry date of the bag.

However, the Ministry of Environment said fake biodegradable and compostable plastic bags, bearing fictitious name of manufacturers, as well as fictitious phone numbers and contact details, were being manufactured and sold on the local market.

The Ministry of Environment cautioned that any person who contravenes the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020 shall commit an offence and shall be liable to the payment of fines as follows:

• Possession or use of plastic bags – fine up to Rs2,000
• Sale or distribution of plastic bags – fine up to Rs20,000
• Manufacture, importation or exportation of plastic  bags – fine up to 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 up to Rs100,000.