Assam Govt imposes ban on use-manufacture- distribution of plastic

After considering the adverse effects of plastic carry bags on the environment and health, the Government of Assam felt that its usage is having a harmful effect on the environment and human health.

With this in the background, the Environment and Forest Department of Assam has issued a notification, dated 30^th September, 2019, imposing a complete ban on the use, manufacture, import, supply, store, transport, sale and / or distribute plastic carry bags less than 60 mm and thickness less than 50 microns, short life PVC and all chlorinated plastic bags/sheets/banners/flex/buntings/flags (irrespective of thickness).

What is banned?

No person including shopkeeper, vendor, wholesaler, retailer, trader, hawker, salesmen are allowed to use the following items:

Plastic carry bags / Plastic sheets / Multi-layered packaging less than 50 microns,

Plastic cups with diameter less than 60 mmand thickness less than 50 microns,

Short life PVC and

All chlorinated plastic bags / sheets / banners / flex / buntings / flagsirrespective of thickness.

No industry / person shall manufacture, import, supply, store, transport, sale and / or distribute plastic carry bags less than 60 mm and thickness less than 50 microns, short life PVC and all chlorinated plastic bags/sheets/banners/flex/buntings/flags (irrespective of thickness) in the State of Assam.

Which items are exempted from the ban?

The plastic used for the following purposes and circumstances are exempted from this notification:

The plastic carrier bags manufactured exclusively for export purpose against any export orders in a plastic industry located in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Export Oriented Units (EOU).

The plastic bags / multi-layered film/sheet (excluding carrying bags) which constitute or form an integral part of the packaging in which goods are sealed prior to use at manufacturing/processing units.

The plastic bags and sheets used in forestry and horticulture nurseriesagainst the orders from the Government Departments or from the firms concerned.