G/TBT/N/NZL/83  
 
16 August 2018  
(18-5222) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade  Original: English  
 
  
NOTIFICATION  
The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6  
 
1. Notifying Member: NEW ZEALAND   
If applicable, name of local government involved (Article 3.2 and 7.2):   
2. Agency responsible:  
Ministry for the Environment  
PO Box 10362  
Wellington 6143  
New Zealand  
www.mfe.govt.nz   
info@mfe.govt.nz   
Ph: +64 4 439 7400  
Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, email and website 
addresses, if available) of agency or authority designated to handle comments 
regarding the notification shall be indicated if different from above:   
3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [ X], 2.10.1 [   ], 5.6.2 [   ], 5.7.1 [   ], other:  
4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff 
heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Ethylene 
polymers: bags made of plastic sheeting, whether or not p rinted, with handles, for the 
conveyance or packing of goods, not designed for prolonged use. The proposed phase -out 
also includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable single -use plastic shopping bags. 
To our knowledge these are also currently polymer s of ethylene but we welcome 
clarification if other tariff codes would also apply to the proposed measure.; Of polymers of 
ethylene (HS 392321). Other rubber and plastics products (ICS 83.140.99).  
5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: Proposed 
mandatory phase out of single -use plastic shopping bags: Consultation document 
(56 page(s), in English)    
6. Description of content: Proposal: Mandatory phase out of sale or distribution of single -
use plastic shopping bags. The proposal  sets out environmental and social impacts of 
single -use plastic bags, including overseas experience, and options for New Zealand.  
What would be covered: A 'single -use plastic shopping bag' is defined as a new plastic bag 
(including one made of degradable plastic) which has handles and is below a maximum 
level of thickness. The terms 'plastic' and 'degradable' (including 'biodegradable', 
'compostable' and 'oxo -degradable') would be defined in regulations with reference to 
international standards. We are see king views on the maximum level of thickness for these 
bags, which is to be determined after consultation. Options for maximum thickness include 
(but are not limited to) bags under 50 microns and bags under 70 microns.  
Who and when would be covered: Any pe rson or entity (technically, any natural person or 
legal person) selling or distributing these bags, when the bags are sold or distributed for 
the purpose of carrying sold goods.  
Exemptions: To be determined after consultation  G/TBT/N/NZL/83  
 
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  7. Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where 
applicable: Protection of animal or plant life or health; Protection of the environment; The 
measure is proposed to substantially advance the phase out of a single -use plastic product 
that contributes to litter  and the risks associated with marine plastics while over the longer 
term take a circular economy approach to design waste out of the system.  
Single -use plastic shopping bags are one of many types of plastic bag entering the 
environment and a small subset of all sources of marine plastics. While single -use plastic 
shopping bags are convenient they can cause unnecessary waste and litter when 
alternatives are readily available. Putting in place measures to phase out single -use plastic 
bags is a first step to addressing the 'throwaway culture' of a linear economy. The choice 
of these bags as a starting point for engaging the community is appropriate because they 
touch every consumer, and many practical and affordable alternatives exist.  
8. Relevant documents:   
 Proposed mandatory phase out of single -use plastic shopping bags: Consultation 
document   
9. Proposed date of adoption: Six months from the date of publication in the New Zealand 
Gazette  
Proposed date of entry into force: Date not yet set as Gazettal depends on outcome of 
submissions and policy decisions  
10. Final date for comments: 22 October 2018  
11. Texts available from: National enquiry point [X] or address, telephone and fax 
numbers and email and website addresses, if available, of other body:   
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/node/24338