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Government proposes to charge MVR 2 for plastic bags in shops

Malika Shahid
19 May 2022, MVT 12:14
Plastic bags: Bill to pass mandatory levy on shopping bags --Photo: Nishan Ali
Malika Shahid
19 May 2022, MVT 12:14

A bill has been submitted to the People's Majlis to make it mandatory for customers to purchase the plastic bags they receive when shopping.

According to the waste management bill submitted by Komandoo MP Mohamed Rashid on behalf of the government, MVR 2 must be charged from the customer as levy from plastic bags provided at points of sale within 30 days of the act coming into effect.

The bill states that shops must include the levy taken from the customer in the invoice or receipt.

Conditions under which bags will be available free of charge:

- Purchases made from duty-free shops.

- Bags used to carry fresh fish.

- Bags used to put loose grains, sugar and flour.

- Wholesale purchase of more than 50 plastic bags.

- Black bags sold to waste management facilities.

According to the bill, businesses will be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000 for providing bags free of charge for customers through their business activities without taking levy from plastic bags.

The bill states that the relevant ministry must formulate a regulation within six months of the act coming into effect to verify the authenticity of the amount of money taken from the sale of bags.

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