Explanatory note
This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect.
These regulations, which come into force on 1 July 2019, prohibit retailers from selling plastic shopping bags in New Zealand for the purpose of distributing goods sold by the retailers.
The regulations define plastic as including any plastic material that is manufactured from any source, whether or not it is designed to degrade in a particular way. This definition includes plastic that is compostable or biodegradable.
Section 5(1) of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 defines sale for the purposes of that Act (and any regulations made under that Act) as including—
distribution or delivery, whether or not for valuable consideration (including delivery to an agent for sale on consignment).
Section 65(1)(d) of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 provides that a person who knowingly contravenes these regulations commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000.
Regulatory impact assessment
The Ministry for the Environment produced a regulatory impact assessment on 23 October 2018 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this instrument.
A copy of this regulatory impact assessment can be found at—
Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2012.
Date of notification in Gazette: 20 December 2018.
These regulations are administered by the Ministry for the Environment.