Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement Update from Department of Commerce

9th January 2026, Kathmandu

Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement has been significantly ramped up by the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection in a major move to curb environmental degradation. On Friday, Poush 25, 2082, the department launched a large scale monitoring operation across the Kathmandu Valley, targeting plastic manufacturers, wholesalers, and retail outlets. The primary objective of this crackdown is to strictly implement the government directive that prohibits the production, import, and sale of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns. This measure is aligned with the National Environment Protection Act and seeks to reduce the non biodegradable waste that clogs urban drainage systems and pollutes natural landscapes.

Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement

During the simultaneous raids conducted at 19 different locations, the department identified several businesses that were still distributing low quality plastic bags. These items, often preferred for their low cost, pose the greatest threat to the environment because they are difficult to recycle and are easily dispersed by wind and water. The department has issued stern warnings to these establishments, mandating an immediate halt to the distribution of these banned materials.

Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement Targets Major Manufacturers

The department provided a list of specific companies and shops that were inspected and received corrective directives. These include Niruj Plastic Industry, MN Plastic Industry, National Plastic Industries, Kunwar Furniture Industry, and Deeksha Store. Additionally, Pashupatinath Enterprises and Universal Traders, among other importers and wholesalers, were formally instructed to stop the trade of plastic bags under 40 microns.

This enforcement is being carried out under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, and the Consumer Protection Rules, 2076. The department has clarified that these actions are not merely administrative but are essential for the long term health of the ecosystem. Businesses found in repeated violation of these standards will face heavy fines, confiscation of goods, and potential cancellation of their operating licenses.

The Environmental and Legal Rationale

The decision to focus on the 40 micron threshold is based on scientific research regarding waste management. Plastic bags thicker than 40 microns are more durable and are more likely to be reused multiple times by consumers, reducing the overall volume of plastic entering the waste stream. Furthermore, thicker plastics are more economically viable for waste pickers and recycling plants to process.

The Department of Commerce has emphasized that the Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Forests and Environment. In previous years, similar bans were announced but lacked consistent ground level monitoring. The current administration aims to change this by conducting frequent, unannounced inspections at the production source and major distribution hubs. By cutting off the supply chain at the industrial level, the department believes it can effectively remove sub standard plastics from the hands of local retailers and street vendors.

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Impact on Consumers and Small Businesses

While the enforcement aims for environmental sustainability, the department is also aware of the impact on small scale traders. Shopkeepers are being encouraged to switch to biodegradable alternatives such as cloth bags, jute sacks, or paper packaging. The department has urged consumers to adopt the habit of carrying their own reusable bags when visiting markets.

Monitoring officials noted that many shops still provide thin plastic bags for vegetables and small grocery items. The department is working on a public awareness campaign to inform both sellers and buyers about the legal consequences of using banned plastics. Under the Consumer Protection Act, even the act of offering a banned substance to a consumer can be penalized. The government is also looking into providing subsidies or incentives for industries that transition their machinery to produce eco friendly packaging solutions.

A Step Toward a Greener Urban Landscape

The recent surge in Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement is particularly relevant for the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and surrounding municipalities. During the monsoon season, thin plastic waste is the leading cause of urban flooding due to clogged sewage pipes. By enforcing the 40 micron rule, the government hopes to see a visible reduction in litter along riverbanks and public parks.

The department has vowed to continue its monitoring throughout the month of Magh, extending its reach beyond the capital to other major industrial cities like Biratnagar, Birgunj, and Butwal. This nationwide approach ensures that manufacturers do not simply move their operations to districts with less oversight. The department’s message is clear: the era of thin, single use plastic in Nepal is coming to an end.

Conclusion

The Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement initiated on Poush 25 marks a turning point in Nepal’s environmental policy execution. By targeting 19 major players in the plastic industry, the Department of Commerce has signaled its readiness to uphold the law against environmental pollutants. While the transition may pose initial challenges for the supply chain, the long term benefits of a cleaner, more sustainable environment are far more valuable. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and the general public, are now required to align their practices with these 40 micron standards to avoid legal action and contribute to a greener future for the country.

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