Tanzania Bans Plastic Bags Effective July This Year

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): As an attempt to protect environment and reduce pollution, Tanzania plans to introduce ban on use of single-use plastic bags starting July this year. The announcement to this effect was made Monday by January Makamba, the country’s Minister for State in the Vice president’s Office (Union and Environment).

The Minister, in response to a question on government’s action plan to end the use of plastic bags, stated that the Prime Minister has already ordered to discuss the matter with various authorities including the National Environment Management Council, Tanzania Bureau of Standards, Tanzania Revenue Authority, Immigration, Customs and Police. Further, he said that the regulations are ready for publication. A formal announcement on the ban is expected in late April.

It must be noted that the government has been involved in various campaigns aimed at phasing out the use of plastic bags and promoting environment-friendly paper bags. Meetings were held in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza during end-2018 to discuss the harmful impacts of single-use plastic bags. The meetings also called for private sector investment in paper bags.

Meantime, the Tanzania Plastic Manufacturers Association (PMAT) reiterated its stand, asking the government to implement measures to control the use of plastic bags instead of placing outright ban on them. A ban on plastic bags would lead to heavy loss in revenue for the government and will negatively impact plastic bag manufacturers in the country, it said.