Minor amendments published

The Environmental Protection (Prohibited Plastics and Balloons) Regulations 2018 have been slightly amended. These amendments were gazetted Friday 3 June.

See gazette attached >

In brief, the NRA understands the key changes to be as follows:

• Definition of plastic now aligns more closely to EU SUP standard (excludes naturally-occurring polymers which have not been chemically modified). This does NOT change rules about compostable or bio-based plastics. It is designed to support future innovation in unmodified polymers.

• Polyester fabric bags not banned (previously only allowed RPET fabric)

• Barrier bags specifically for raw produce can have handles (eg. grape/cherry bags)

• The CEO’s power to review, approve or deny exemptions is now in effect (DWER can receive applications now, rather than waiting until 1 July) – See: Exemption application guidelines now available