From 1st June 2019, Tanzania will prohibit all plastic carrier bags from being imported, exported manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used. The plastic carrier bag ban will apply to all carrier plastics regardless of their thickness, according to a statement by the office of the Vice President of Tanzania.
The statement reads “Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packaging plastic carrier bags in the suitcase or hand luggage before embarking on visit to Tanzania.” The statement also states that upon arrival, visitors will note that all entry points will have a special desk that will be designated for the surrender of plastic carrier bags that visitors may be bringing into Tanzania.
Citing inconveniences that may be caused, the statement explains that the ban is not intended to make any visitor’s stay unpleasant, rather, it is to protect the environment and keep the country clean and beautiful.
However the statement makes an exception for plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, construction industry, agricultural sector, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management. “Plastic bags know an ziploc bags that are used when carrying toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country” says the statement.