Tunisian deputies propose new law to phase out single-use plastic bags

The proposed legislation, comprising seven chapters and 23 articles, outlines a specific timeline for reducing disposable plastic bag use and promoting sustainable alternatives. It targets manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers. Under the proposal, businesses would be prohibited from distributing or selling single-use plastic bags at checkouts upon the law's enactment.

Manufacturers and importers would have a maximum of twelve months after the law's publication to cease production, import, and marketing of these bags, including those used for packaging food and bulk goods. Only reusable, biodegradable, or bio-sourced bags meeting specific standards would be permitted. To prevent the replacement of traditional plastic with unverified "green" products, the bill sets strict criteria for alternatives.

Biodegradable bags must decompose by 90% within six months in an industrial facility or twelve months in a domestic environment without producing microplastics, and must comply with international standards like EN 13432. Reusable bags would need to have a minimum thickness of 50 microns, a load capacity of at least ten kilograms, a minimum lifespan of twenty uses, and specific labeling. Enhanced control mechanisms are also included, requiring businesses to obtain conformity cer