The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has announced another major step in its campaign to eliminate single-use plastic, declaring that businesses will no longer be allowed to charge customers separately for plastic shopping bags after September 6, 2026. Director General EPA Punjab Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh said that no business will be permitted to collect additional charges for plastic bags from consumers. He urged the public to report any violations by calling the EPA helpline 1373.

He warned that businesses found charging for plastic bags could face fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000. In serious cases, authorities may seal the business premises and register an FIR against the violators. Dr Sheikh clarified that businesses may charge customers for reusable bags made from cloth or other environmentally friendly materials. However, charging separately for plastic shopping bags often branded and sold to consumers as a product while generating additional profit will no longer be permitted.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)