In Ukraine, from January 1, 2023, a ban on the distribution of thin and ultra-thin polyethylene bags with a thickness of up to 50 microns in stores, markets and food establishments came into force.
Such a ban is the third stage of restricting the circulation of plastic bags in accordance with Law No. 2051-1 "On restricting the circulation of plastic bags in the territory of Ukraine". Violation of the new rules will be punishable by fines
It is forbidden to use plastic bags - "t-shirts" in particular for packing ice, bulk products, meat and fresh fish.
Biodegradable bags or plastic bags with a thickness of more than 50 microns can be an alternative to the prohibited bags. However, biodegradable bags must have a special label, thanks to which they can be sent for composting together with organic waste.
Monitoring of compliance with the legislation will be carried out by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (State Consumer Protection Service).
Fines
- in the amount of five hundred to one thousand non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (from UAH 8,500 to UAH 17,000),
- for a repeated violation within three years - in the amount of one thousand to two thousand non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (from UAH 17,000 to UAH 34,000);
- for free distribution of plastic bags - in the amount of one hundred to two hundred tax-free minimum incomes of citizens (from UAH 1,700 to 3,400), and for repeated violations within three years - in the amount of two hundred to five hundred tax-free minimum incomes of citizens (from UAH 3,400 to 8,500 ).
As EcoPolitic reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada adopted it in the second reading on June 1, 2021 draft law No. 2051-1 "On limiting the circulation of plastic bags on the territory of Ukraine".
