Shanghai Daily | 上海日报 -- English Window to China News

CHINA has become the latest country to declare war on plastic bags in a drive to save energy and protect the environment.

Under new regulations which came into force yesterday, flimsy bags under 0.025 millimeters thick are banned and all retailers, including supermarkets, department stores and grocery stores, must charge for carrier bags. Those found breaking the law face fines.

China, which consumes at least 1,300 tons of oil daily to produce bags for supermarkets alone, is following in the footsteps of countries such as Ireland, Rwanda and Bangladesh. Italy is due to introduce a ban by 2010.

"Customers are encouraged to carry their own bags," said Men Xiaowei, an official with the Ministry of Commerce.

"It is a 'habit revolution.' To limit the use of plastic bags is to protect our environment," Men said.

Shoppers in China have enjoyed free plastic bags for more than a decade.

They were a great convenience for shoppers but placed a heavy burden to the environment.

"Plastic bags are difficult to degrade," Men said. "Plastic waste accounts for more than 3 to 5 percent of daily waste, most of which comes from plastic bags."

Retailers are free to set prices for shopping bags but they must not be cheaper than they cost to produce.

"Retailers worried that they might lose customers if they charge too much for shopping bags," Men said.

"But our goal is to reduce the use of plastic bags."

Retailers who do not list shopping bags on receipts or continued to provide free plastic bags could be fined from 5,000 yuan (US$720) to 10,000 yuan, according to the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

The administration said there would be a two-month review of plastic bag distributors and regular patrols in supermarkets and various stores.

Ultra-thin bags are the main target because they are typically used just once and then thrown away.