The Verkhovna Rada adopted in the second reading and as a whole a bill prohibiting the distribution of plastic bags, except for biodegradable ones, in stores and catering establishments — companies have 9 months to adapt.
Such draft law No. 2051-1 was supported by 1 people's deputies during the session on June 297.
The law is aimed at reducing the volume of use of plastic bags in Ukraine, limiting their distribution in order to improve the state of the environment and beautify the territories.
It prohibits the distribution of ultra-thin plastic bags, thin plastic bags and oxo-degradable plastic bags in retail, public catering and service facilities.
This ban does not apply to biodegradable plastic bags, but until 2023 also to ultra-thin plastic bags up to 15 microns thick, intended for packaging fresh fish, meat, bulk products, ice.
It is also forbidden to use the markings "bio", "biopackages" and "biodegradable" if the packages do not have the ability to biodegrade according to European standards. In addition, the ban will discourage consumers from buying plastic bags.
The adaptation period is 9 months. During this time, alternatives should appear: paper bags or reusable bags.
After the end of the transition period, prohibited packages cannot be distributed, they are subject to disposal. A fine of 1700 to 3400 UAH is provided for the free distribution of packages, and a fine of 3400 to 8500 UAH is imposed for repeated violations.
If the subject violates the ban on the distribution of packages, he will pay a fine of UAH 8500 to UAH 17000 for the first time, and UAH 17000 to UAH 34000 for repeated violations.
