Parliament passes amendment exempting bulk plastic bag packs from levy
Under the existing framework, a fee of MVR 2 is charged on plastic bags, including those sold as part of wholesale packs, resulting in higher costs.
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The People's Majlis on Monday passed an amendment to the Waste Management Act exempting wholesale packs containing more than 50 plastic bags from the MVR 2 plastic bag levy.
The bill was approved unanimously, with 64 members voting in favour and none voting against.
The plastic bag levy was introduced under the Waste Management Act during the previous administration. Under the existing framework, a fee of MVR 2 is charged on plastic bags, including those sold as part of wholesale packs, resulting in higher costs for businesses purchasing bags in bulk.
Prior to the amendment, only three categories of plastic bags were exempt from the levy:
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Plastic bags sold or distributed by duty-free shops.
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Unsealed plastic bags used for packing fresh fish.
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Bin liners sold or distributed by waste management service providers or relevant authorities for waste disposal purposes.
The amendment introduces a fourth exemption category covering wholesale packs containing more than 50 plastic bags.
The bill also includes several other changes to the law.
Under the amended legislation, businesses that are registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be required to collect the plastic bag fee when providing plastic bags to customers as part of their services.
The amendment further requires the Ministry to ensure that businesses not registered for GST also collect the levy.
In addition, the Ministry has been given one year to formulate regulations governing the use of revenue collected through the plastic bag fee.
The bill also introduces changes relating to waste imports and hazardous waste management.
Importing any form of waste into the Maldives has now been classified as a criminal offence. Previously, waste imports could be authorised by the Environment Regulatory Authority.
Another amendment allows for the use and sale of hazardous waste and its derivatives under a permit system administered by the Environment Regulatory Authority in accordance with regulations established by the Ministry.
Under the previous law, the use and sale of hazardous waste and its derivatives were prohibited.
The amended legislation will come into force in accordance with the provisions set out in the Act.
