Ultra thin plastic bags banned in China wef 1 June 2008

22-May-08

With effect from 1 June 2008, China will ban use of ultrathin plastic bags and the free giveaway of carrier bags in stores. The government has banned the use of bags with a thickness less than 0.025 mm. With this ban, it is predicted that the use of plastic shopping bags will reduce by 40% after 1 June. Some stores have been freely giving away bags that don't meet the new national standards, and consumers have also been eager to stock up free bags for future use. However, it will not be easy to implement this law. Enforcement of the new law will be faced with a few problematic issues, including including pricing, farmer's markets. A few multinational and local supermarkets plan to charge 0.1-0.4 yuan, depending on the size. The new law exempts produce bags at supermarkets and grocers from charges. Anticipating customers to substitute self-dispensed produce bags to pack other types of goods, retailers are purchasing more produce bags. Produce bags will also provide the ultimate solution for farmer's markets, which are more price-sensitive than supermarkets and chain stores.