As one way of protecting the environment in the country, Malawi government has finally banned the manufacturing, importation and use of thin plastic bags in the country.

Ministry of Energy , Mining and Natural Resources issued the ban on behalf of the government and the ban is effective Friday, August 8, 2014.

According to the press release issued by the Ministry, the ban manly prohibits manufacturing and importation of plastic carrier bags, alcohol sachets and plastic papers used in secondary packaging or wrapping with a thickness of less than 60 microns.

“The general public is hereby informed that as of 30th June 2014 it is illegal to produce, import, distribute and use thin plastics (less than 60 microns) in Malawi unless exempted. The public is therefore advised that with effect from 18th August, 2014 enforcement actions will be carried out in all concerned areas. This ban follows the announcement made in 2013 by the Government of its intention to ban the production, importation, distribution, selling and use of thin plastics.
Scope of the ban

“In general, the ban applies to the manufacturing, trading and commercial distribution of plastic film, for use within Malawi, with a wall thickness of less than 60 microns. Specifically, the ban prohibits among others the following classes of plastics: plastic carrier bags, flat bags, alcohol sachets and plastic papers used in secondary packaging or wrapping with a wall thickness of less than 60 microns”, reads in part the statement.

Meanwhile the move has not gone down well with other retailers in the country who says they are making initiatives to comply with the ban while others are waiting for further government direction on the matter.