Tanzania: Ban on single-use plastic bags scheduled for July 1

Event

The Tanzanian government announced on Monday, April 8, that it plans to ban the production, importation, sale, and use of single-use plastic carrier bags to help tackle environmental waste generated by the non-biodegradable plastics. A formal announcement is expected later this month, and the ban is slated to go into effect beginning on Monday, July 1. Violations of the ban could result in hefty fines or imprisonment.

Context

Tanzania will join more than 60 other countries that have banned, partly banned, or taxed single-use plastic bags. In East Africa, Kenya and Rwanda have already banned plastic carrier bags. Kenya’s law mandates a four-year prison sentence or a fine of USD 40,000 for violating the ban. The Kenyan government has urged Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi to enact the ban on single-use plastic bags, as it has struggled to control the smuggling of the plastic products into its territory.

Advice

Individuals in Tanzania are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all regulations issued by local authorities.