The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared that the utilization of plastic shopping bags will cease in businesses all over the province from September 6, 2026. The new guidance will allow retailers to charge customers for shopping bags that are not plastic, but they must be reusable or recyclable.
The move is a part of the Punjab government’s overall effort to curb plastic pollution and encourage eco-friendly alternatives to the unnecessary use of single-use plastic bags.
EPA Issues New Directive for Businesses
EPA Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh has released an official order on July 5th declaring that many retailers were on the verge of starting to sell plastic shopping bags at premium prices. This practice has led to a surge in production and use of plastic bags while reducing the use of reusable and recyclable bags, the EPA said.
The new rules will stipulate that, if stores want to sell plastic shopping bags, they must do so for free. If they decide to sell plastic shopping bags, new rules will require the stores, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments to provide the bags free of charge.
But companies will be able to sell reusable or recyclable shopping bags that aren’t made of plastic.
Rule to Take Effect from September 6
The new policy will officially take effect September 6, 2026.
From this date onwards all the commercial units throughout the Punjab will be required to adhere to the updated guidelines for shopping bags or else they will be subject to legal action.
EPA has recommended businesses to gear up and transition their policies and make the people adopting environmentally friendly substitutions to their businesses.
Consumers Encouraged to Reduce Plastic Waste
In conjunction with the new directive, the Punjab EPA has called on the public to take an active part in the protection of the environment.
Authorities have encouraged consumers to:
- Reduce the use of single-use plastic bags.
- Carry reusable shopping bags whenever possible.
- Properly dispose of plastic waste.
- Support environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Strict Penalties for Violations
Businesses that refuse to comply with the new rules after the deadline of September 6 could be subject to harsh legal penalties, EPA warned.
Possible penalties include:
- Fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000.
- Sealing of commercial premises.
- Registration of a First Information Report (FIR), where applicable.
EPA Raises Concerns Over Plastic Bag Sales
Some businesses have made plastic shopping bags a new business by asking customers to pay for branded plastic bags, according to DG Imran Hamid Sheikh.
Many retailers are profiting off bags using their own business brand, which the EPA said has led to increased plastic bag use rather than promoting sustainable options.
The Punjab government’s ban on businesses charging customers for plastic shopping bags is another important measure in its green protection programs. Starting September 6th, 2026, businesses will be able to charge for non-plastic reusable or recyclable bags, but plastic shopping bags, if distributed, will be handed out free of charge.
The move will also promote responsible business practices and help create a cleaner and greener environment in Punjab, with the broader thrust of the government’s anti-single-use plastics campaign becoming increasingly stringent.
