The moratorium for compliance with regulation 2 of the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020, by virtue of which a biodegradable or compostable plastic bag should not contain petroleum-based materials or their derivatives, has been extended to 31 August 2023.
Accordingly, as from 1st September 2023, importers and manufacturers of plastic bags will have to ensure that:
a. biodegradable and compostable plastic bags do not contain non-biodegradable petroleum-based materials or their derivatives;
b. biodegradable and compostable plastic bags shallbehomecompostable,exceptfor non-woven Polylactic Acid (PLA) bags; and
c. biodegradable and compostable plastic bags shall comply with the following standards:
i. Standards of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Bags:
1. AS5810
2. BS EN 17427 3. NFT51-800
ii. Standards of Biodegradable and Compostable Non-woven Polylactic Acid (PLA) bags
1. ASTM D 6400
Importers and manufacturers have also been told that consultations are underway to define the acceptable threshold of bio-based contents in biodegradable and compostable plastic bags.
According to a government notice just issued, any person who contravenes the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020 will have committed an offence and will be liable to the payment of fines as follows:
(i) possession or use of banned plastic bags- fine of upto Rs2,000;
(ii) sale or distribution of banned plastic bags – fine of upto Rs20,000;
(iii) manufacture, importation or exportation of banned plastic bags – fine of upto Rs100,000; and
(iv) importation or manufacture of biodegradable or compostable plastic bags not
compliant with the authorisation conferred by this Ministry under Part 6 of the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations- fine of upto Rs100,000.
