Japan panel begins talks on charging for plastic shopping bags

September 26, 2019

Tokyo--The Japanese industry and environment ministries on Thursday held the first meeting of a joint commission to discuss details about a policy of requiring stores to charge customers for plastic shopping bags.

At the meeting, the government proposed that retailers of "every industry," including supermarkets and convenience stores, be required to charge for plastic bag use.

Thin, small bags used for wrapping fresh food, bags made with renewable materials such as biodegradable plastic, and thick, durable bags distributed at high-end stores will likely be excluded from the measure.

The two ministries will revise their ordinances related to the law on recycling containers and wrapping materials by the end of the year, aiming to put the new rule into effect on April 1, 2020.

The policy, designed to reduce plastic waste that causes marine pollution, is a centerpiece in the government's resources recycling policy compiled in May. The move is also intended to demonstrate Japan's efforts to create an environmentally conscious society to the world at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

According to the government proposal, the price of plastic bags and how to use related revenue will be left up to the discretion of each business. "Necessary measures" to aid small companies adapting to the policy will be considered.

"The issue of charging for shopping bags is emblematic of what the world is tackling," Yuji Iida, director-general of the industry ministry's Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, said at the meeting. "We hope to put together and execute relevant measures speedily as the Olympics and Paralympics will be held next year." Jiji Press