In a step to make India single-use plastic-free, the government has announced a ban on the sale, manufacturing, and use of single-use plastic items. The ban, which will be effective from July 1 next year.

Such single-use plastic items include earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene for decoration; plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or banners less than 100 micron and stirrers.

The ministry said pollution due to single-use plastic items has become an important environmental challenge confronting all countries. India is committed to taking action for the mitigation of pollution caused by littered Single-Use Plastics.

Along with the ban, the government also increased the thickness of polythene bags from 50 microns to 120 microns. The change in thickness of the polythene bags will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will commence on September 30, with a ban being imposed on bags with less than 75 microns. Bags of less than 120 microns will be banned from December 31, 2022.

The thickness guidelines will not apply to carry bags made of compostable plastic. The manufacturers of these bags or brand owners that use them will be required to obtain a certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before selling or using them.