The transition period allows retailers to gear up for the change, provide shoppers with alternatives to plastic bags and help consumers adjust.

Lightweight, checkout-style plastic bags can still be provided during this period, but retailers must:

•    have an alternative shopping bag available for customers
•    prepare staff for the change
•    display a notice at every cash register informing shoppers of the change.

From 4 May 2009 – Ban in place

Shoppers should bring their own bags to the supermarket, however alternative bags are available at the store. Customers are not to be fined if retailers provide them with contravening plastic bags.

Retailers must not supply single-use polyethylene carry bags of less than 35 microns. Instead they must provide alternative shopping bags to their customers, either free or at a cost to the customer.

Return to 'The SA Ban' section. or the home page.