Bill proposes waste import ban and plastic bag tax exemption

The government has submitted amendments to the Waste Management Act proposing a complete ban on the import of waste into the Maldives and changes to the levy on plastic bags.

The bill was introduced in the People's Majlis on Tuesday by Ungoofaaru MP Ibrahim Shifaz of the People's National Congress (PNC). Parliament also began debating the proposed legislation.

One of the main amendments would prohibit the import of all types of waste into the Maldives.

Under the current law, waste may be imported with a permit issued by the relevant ministry. The proposed amendment would remove that provision and state that importing any type of waste into the Maldives is an offence.

While the bill does not introduce a new penalty, Section 63 of the existing Waste Management Act provides for a fine of MVR 5 million for importing waste in violation of the law.

The bill also proposes changes to the plastic bag levy introduced under amendments passed in December 2022. The levy of MVR 2 per plastic bag came into effect in April 2023.

Under the current law, the levy applies regardless of the quantity purchased, including wholesale purchases.

The proposed amendment would exempt bundles containing more than 50 plastic bags from the levy.

If approved by Parliament, the exemption would apply to wholesale purchases of plastic bags supplied in bundles of more than 50, removing the MVR 2 charge on each bag within those bundles.