Single use plastic tax comes into effect

Tax on single use plastic bags came into effect on Tuesday, under the Waste Management Act revised in November 2022.

A tax of MVR 2 will be levied on single use plastic bags under the revision. Businesses will be required to pay tax on plastic bags to MIRA according to MIRA's guidelines on GST for registered businesses. Businesses yet to register for GST are also required to pay tax on single use plastic bags to MIRA.

No tax will be levied on plastic bags sold or given free of charge at duty-free shops, or bags used to sell fresh fish, seafood, and similar goods.