Maldives Inland Revenue Authority Mira says effect today every business activity operating in the Maldives must charge a Plastic Bag Fee for each plastic bag sold or provide free of charge to customers at the point of sale.
Mira said that a charge of MVR 2 would be taken as the Plastic Bag fee.
The Authority also said that even though plastic bags are provided or sold separately, or even if they are sold together in bundles, a plastic bag fee of MVR 2/- should be charged for every plastic bag sold or provided.
There are a few exceptions to the regulation that went into effect today. These include plastic bags sold or provided by duty-free shops, plastic bags used to carry unpackaged deep sea fish, reef fish, bait fish or fish used as bait, seafood, and parts of such fish, and bin liners issued by waste management companies.
Mira said that plastic bags used by the manufacturer of goods for the packaging necessary for the sale of such goods are not subject to plastic bag fees.
The Plastic Bag fee is being taken under the Waste Management Act.
