Tanzania Will Implement A Ban On Plastic Bags

    On May 16, the office of the vice President of Tanzania announced that a ban on plastic bags will be officially implemented in mainland Tanzania from June 1, 2019. It is prohibited to import, export, manufacture, sell, store, supply and use portable plastic bags in all thickness. Offenders may face fines or imprisonment. Plastic products and packaging involving medical services, industrial products, construction, agriculture, food, sanitation and waste disposal are not subject to restrictions.

    The announcement also urged all foreigners who are travelling to Tanzania not to carry portable plastic bags or use portable plastic bags to packaging products in checked baggage when they arrive in Tanzania. Otherwise, you will be required to hand in the relevant plastic bag products when you enter the country. Zipper sealing plastic bags specially used for carrying toiletry articles are allowed to enter the country, but they are not allowed to be discarded or disposed of in Tanzania.

   The Chinese embassy in Tanzania solemnly reminds Chinese citizens in Tanzania and citizens who are going to Tanzania to strictly abide by the "ban on plastic bags", avoid carrying plastic bags in suitcases or hand luggage when entering Tanzania, and do not use plastic bags in Tanzania to avoid corresponding punishment.

    On May 23, the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania officially issued the "Guidelines for the Enforcement of ban on plastic bags in Tanzania".

1. The "plastic ban" inspection places include shops, markets, supermarkets, warehouses, immigration, factories and other places where plastic bags are sold.

2. The inspector must present his law enforcement certificate before enforcing the law.

3. The inspector are not allowed to open the pedestrian bag on the road to check if there is a plastic bag.

4. Inspectors shall not enter the residential area for inspection or stop vehicles on the road for inspection.

5. if any vehicles is found plastic bags during the inspection for other reasons, the inspector may impose penalties such as confiscation, fines in accordance with relevant laws.

6. Once the use, sale, storage of banned plastic bags is found, the plastic bags will be confiscated on the spot and fined. Those who failed to pay the fine within the specified time will be prosecuted.

7. The inspector shall issue an official invoice to the person who paid the fine.

8. Inspectors should strictly abide by law enforcement regulations, violent law enforcement or detain illegal personnel are strictly prohibited.

9. Resisting law enforcement and repeated offenders will be subject to more severe penalties such as detention under the law.

On May 25th, the Tanzania Government Information Center announced the "Ban on plastic bags" free consultation phone.

From May 27th, you can call or send a text message, WHATSAPP to consult the "Ban on plastic bags" related policies, feedback and questions, etc.

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