Import of plastic bags decried

 By LUKE KAMA 

THE ineffective control on the import and use of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags is affecting local business operations, a business manager says.

Rajesh Desa, the factory manager at Colorpak Ltd, said the production cost was very high in PNG and any illegal imports must be stopped to promote local manufacturing industries. “Illegal importation of biodegradable plastic shopping bags is really affecting local manufacturing industries because we spend a lot in producing locally while the illegal importers import cheaply into the country,” he said.

“We create employment opportunities, pay taxes and fees to the Government, while the illegal importers are importing cheaply and flooding the market.

“Therefore, all State agencies must ensure everyone complied with the policy. It is not economical for some of us to comply while others are illegally importing cheaply and making a lot of money,” Desa said. Special projects director John Michael said the legislation had not been implemented effectively since it was gazetted in 2011.

“We are now seriously enforcing the ban and CEPA is looking at monitoring and controlling the end users of the plastic shopping bags to ensure effective and efficient implementation,” he said.