Japan decides to make plastic bag charges mandatory

December 27, 2019

Tokyo--The Japanese government on Friday revised ordinances of four relevant ministries to oblige retailers to charge customers fees for plastic shopping bags from July 1, 2020.

All stores in the nation, including supermarket and convenience stores, will be subject to the rule.

The move is aimed at increasing public awareness about environmental protection at a time when plastic waste flowing into the ocean is becoming a serious problem worldwide.

Thin plastic bags used for perishable foods and eco-friendly bags made from plant-based materials will be exempted from the mandatory charges.

While business operators are allowed to set plastic bag prices on their own, the government asks them to charge one yen or more for each bag. Jiji Press