New Law No. 1489-1X

In Ukraine 10.12.2021 Law No. 1489-1X came into force on the ban on the free distribution of certain types of plastic bags in stores, markets and in the service sector. It is aimed at reducing the use of plastic bags in Ukraine and limiting their distribution in order to improve the state of the environment, comply with environmental standards and improve territories.

What is the innovation, and what packages are now banned in Ukraine?

Still 1.06. In 2021, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law that limited the use of plastic bags on the territory of Ukraine. The text of the document states that most of its norms are introduced six months after the date the document comes into force, i.e. from 1.12.2021,

the introduction of another part of the norms will be made in 9 months — until March 2022.

What packages are banned?

Currently, free distribution of 3 types of plastic bags is prohibited in Ukraine:

• oxo-degradable plastic bags are bags made from a material consisting of polyethylene and oxo-degradable impurities;
• ultra-thin plastic bags having walls less than 15 microns thick;
• thin plastic bags having walls with a thickness of 15 to 50 microns.

The reason for this ban is that it is these types of packages that have the shortest period of use (on average, no more than 20 minutes). But at the same time, they contribute to plastic pollution of the environment.

These bags can be confused with other, denser ones (with a thickness of more than 50 microns), which are not yet prohibited. It must be borne in mind that the usual so-called. «T-shirts», which are still actively used for packaging many types of goods in retail outlets, shops and markets, and thin «tear-off» bags without handles.

Where exactly can’t they be used?

These kinds of packages are now banned from free distribution (but still available for sale):

• in retail chains, shops, markets;
• in catering establishments,
• in any companies operating in the service sector.

Existing exceptions.

The ban does not apply:

• on packages used for packaging and transportation of fresh fish, meat and products made from them. In addition, bulk products and ice (for the primary packaging of these products in ultra-thin plastic bags up to 225 mm wide without side folds, up to 345 mm deep including side folds, up to 450 mm long including handles)
• on biodegradable plastic bags that are capable of decomposing with the participation of microorganisms into elements of natural origin and meet the standards and norms for disposal by composting or biodegradation
• for bags for primary packaging for meat, fish and bulk products, such bags will be available free of charge in Ukraine until 2023

Can I buy a plastic bag at checkout?

• The ban does not apply to thick plastic bags, which are usually sold at supermarket checkouts to pack or carry goods.
• Today there is no prohibition to sell or use large dense bags with a thickness of more than 50 microns.

Are there penalties for violating the plastic bag law?

Violators of the law can be fined in the amount of 1700 to 3400 UAH, a repeated violation will entail a fine of 3400 to 8500 UAH. These fines are defined for retail chains, outlets and companies that ignore the new rules on the ban on the free distribution of certain types of plastic bags.