NZL/103
WTO/TBT
NZ New Zealand
  • 83 - Rubber and plastics industries
2021-01-19
2020-11-20

Specific single-use plastic items

Reducing the impact of plastic on our environment - moving away from hard-to-recycle and single-use items: consultation document (75 page(s), in English)

This proposal includes seeking feedback on phasing out (by 2025) problematic single-use plastic items where alternatives are viable and available. Items included in this proposal are single-use plastic: straws, cotton buds, drink stirrers, tableware (plates, trays, bowls) and cutlery, produce bags, plastic cups and lids (excluding disposable coffee cups), and non-compostable fruit stickers. The list is based on a range of considerations including environmental harm, availability of alternatives, and international precedent.

The proposed phase-out would apply to any person or entity (technically, any natural person or legal person) selling, manufacturing or distributing these items. The final regulations may apply to either sale or manufacture of the prescribed plastics, or both.