Govt publishes single-use plastics regulation with fines up to MVR 100,000

The government has gazetted a new regulation aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics in the Maldives by the end of 2030, introducing penalties of up to MVR 100,000 for violations.

Published by the Ministry of Environment, the Regulation on Reducing Single-Use Plastics sets out procedures, compliance requirements and enforcement measures relating to the import, manufacture and distribution of plastic items prohibited under a presidential decree.

Under the regulation, individuals or businesses found manufacturing, importing or distributing banned plastic products will initially receive a warning and be instructed to stop the activity.

For subsequent violations, authorities may impose a fine of up to MVR 150 per item based on the quantity of products manufactured or imported. The total penalty imposed under the regulation cannot exceed MVR 100,000.

The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has been authorised to inspect businesses involved in the manufacture, import and distribution of single-use plastics and monitor compliance with the regulation.

The regulation also requires the Ministry to prepare a phase-out plan within one year of the regulation coming into force. The plan will determine how single-use plastics will be reduced over time.

According to the regulation, the phase-out plan must consider:

The regulation provides exemptions for certain uses of single-use plastics. These include plastic items imported as ship stores for use on international airlines and plastic products intended for use in duty-free areas serving departing international passengers.

It also states that plastic products prohibited under the presidential decree must be disposed of through parties licensed to manage waste in the Maldives.

The regulation forms part of the government's efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics and implement a phased transition towards alternative products by 2030.