Members of the Assembly of People’s Representatives in Tunisia have put forward a legislative initiative aimed at a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags.

They also want to mandate a market shift toward sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives.

The bill aims to combat plastic pollution, protect public health and facilitate Tunisia’s transition to a circular economy, according to TV BRICS.

If the law is passed, the distribution or sale of single-use plastic bags at shop checkouts will be prohibited.

Following a transition period of no more than one year, manufacturers and importers will cease the production, import, and distribution of such bags.

During this same period, the use of plastic packaging for food products and goods sold by weight will also be phased out.

The bill sets out strict technical requirements for alternatives.

Only reusable bags with a thickness of at least 50 microns, capable of withstanding a load of up to 10 kilogrammes and designed for at least 20 cycles of use will be allowed.

Also, biodegradable bags that degrade by at least 90 per cent within six months under industrial conditions or within 12 months under domestic conditions, without forming microplastics, are allowed.

MPs are also proposing to launch a national industrial support programme to convert production lines to manufacture environmentally friendly products.

To this end, subsidised loans will be provided and tax incentives introduced.

Furthermore, the bill enshrines the principle of ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’, under which companies will bear financial and environmental responsibility for their products.

The bill provides for strict penalties for violations: fines and the confiscation of illegal products.

In the event of a repeat offence, fines will be doubled, and businesses may be shut down.

Criminal liability is also provided for the illegal production or import of banned plastic bags.

(NAN)