MOFCOM Announces Phased Ban on Certain Plastic Products

In accordance with a circular recently issued by the General Office of the Ministry of Commerce (Shang Ban Liu Tong Han No. 306 [2020]), local departments of commerce are required to improve plastic pollution control in major areas of commerce, including shopping malls, supermarkets marketplaces, and convention and exhibition centres, as well as in catering and accommodation and in e-commerce.

• By the end of 2020, the use of non-degradable plastic bags will be prohibited in shopping malls, supermarkets, catering packaging and takeaway services and in various kinds of exhibition activities in the built-up areas of municipalities, provincial capitals and cities with independent planning status.

• By the end of 2020, the use of non-degradable single-use plastic straws will be prohibited in the catering industry nationwide.

• By the end of 2022, luxury guesthouses and hotels will stop providing single-use plastic products.The Ministry of Commerce will also formulate regulations for reporting on the use and recycling of single-use plastic products in commercial endeavours, and build the necessary platforms for local authorities and enterprises to carry out reporting.

Source: Ministry of Commerce