The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that from September 6, businesses across the province will no longer be allowed to charge consumers separately for plastic shopping bags. This move is part of ongoing efforts to curb the use of single-use plastics, despite the fact that plastic bags thinner than 75 microns remain banned under provincial laws and are still widely used in markets.
Widespread Use of Banned Plastic Bags Continues
Despite regulatory measures and enforcement campaigns, the Punjab EPA has yet to eliminate the use of plastic shopping bags thinner than 75 microns. These prohibited bags continue to be used by fruit and vegetable vendors, milk sellers, grocery stores, and many other retailers in markets across Lahore.
New Directive on Separate Charges
Punjab EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh stated that some businesses had been treating plastic shopping bags as a separate product by printing their branding on them and charging customers an additional amount, thereby earning profit. He said the practice would no longer be allowed. Consumers who are asked to pay separately for plastic bags after the deadline can lodge complaints through the EPA helpline number 1373.
Penalties for Violations
According to the EPA, businesses found violating the directive may face fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000. In serious cases, authorities may seal the premises and register criminal cases against violators.
