S.L. 117.40 Art. 4Restrictions on placing on the market. S.L. 549. 43.

(1) As from 1 January 2021, the importation, intra-

Community acquisition, and manufacturing for the circulation on the market in Malta, in the course of a commercial activity, of any lightweight plastic carrier bags shall be prohibited.

(2) As from 1 January 2022, any supply of lightweight plastic carrier bags for distribution, consumption or use on the market in Malta, in the course of a commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge, shall be prohibited.

(3) The following plastic carrier bags shall be exempt from the prohibitions referred to in sub-regulations (1) and (2):

(a) very lightweight plastic carrier bags;

(b) biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags; and

(c) reusable plastic carrier bags.

(4) Producers of biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags shall, upon applying to renew their registration in accordance with regulation 21(2) of the Waste Management (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations, submit the certificates issued by an accredited conformity assessment body indicating that all the biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags placed on the national market in the course of a calendar year comply with harmonised standard EN 13432:2000:

Provided that such certificates shall be made available to the Environment and Resources Authority upon request and to the Customs Department on importation, intra-Community acquisition, manufacturing or otherwise when requested.

(5) The biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags shall be labelled in accordance with the specifications provided for in the implementing act referred to in Article 8a of Directive 94/62/EC.