The government has imposed a complete ban since 2021 on the production, import, sale, distribution, and use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns. However, the main reasons for ineffective enforcement of the plastic bag ban include a lack of sufficient data, weak monitoring, and the absence of affordable alternatives. The new directive establishes producer responsibility, mandates clear labeling on plastic bags, and enforces stricter compliance at the point of sale. Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra.
Consumers often buy half a kilo of potatoes, a quarter kilo of chili, or a handful of greens, only to receive these three vegetables in three separate thin plastic bags. This is a common scene in towns and villages throughout Nepal. However, upon reviewing government archives in Singha Durbar, these thin plastic bags have been classified as ‘illegal’ and ‘banned’ for years. The government has repeatedly announced bans on plastic bags, but implementation has consistently faced challenges.
The topic of plastic restriction has again come under discussion. In the fiscal year 2021/22 budget, the federal government announced that from 1 Shrawan 2078 (mid-July 2021), the production, import, sale, distribution, and use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns would be completely prohibited. The policy also mandated that shopping malls and departmental stores switch to cotton, jute, or paper bags instead of plastic ones.
The new directive elaborates on the thickness, size, color, and producer responsibility for plastic bags. It clearly states that any plastic bag thinner than 40 microns will be entirely banned from production, import, storage, sale, distribution, and use. However, a common question among the general public and environmentalists alike remains—is this directive merely another “paper tiger,” or will it effectively help make the market plastic-free?
