Crackdown on shopping bags begins

The deadline for banning the sale and use of thin shopping bags expired on December 10, prompting the government and the Department of Environment and Climate Change to launch a major crackdown starting on Wednesday (today).

Shopkeepers across Rawalpindi Division, including grocery store owners, will face challans for using thin plastic bags. Penalties include sealing shops for three days and fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000. The operation will be a joint effort by the Department of Environment, District Administration, and Food Authority, with assistance from the police.

The government has authorised the use of 75-micron thick shopping bags, conditional upon paying a hefty licence fee, while completely banning thinner variants.

According to the Food Authority, factories producing thick shopping bags will pay a tax of Rs300,000 per machine annually. Wholesale dealers will be taxed Rs200,000 per year, while shopkeepers, including those selling groceries, milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables, will be required to pay Rs100,000 annually and obtain a license. The renewal fee for this license is Rs50,000.

Grocery Merchant Association President, Saleem Pervez Butt, criticised the tax, calling it unjust. "Grocery shops spend only Rs2,000 to Rs3,000 per month on shopping bags. An annual tax of Rs100,000 is disproportionate, especially when 90% of shops hold stock worth only Rs100,000 to Rs150,000," he said, urging the government to reconsider the tax.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema reiterated that the use of thin shopping bags is strictly banned. "The crackdown begins today.