Regulations No. 375 of 2017 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (Reducing the Consumption of Thin Plastic Transport Bags).

These Regulations, issued in pursuance to articles 6A and 27 of the Packaging and Waste Packaging Law no. 32/I of 2002 and its further amendments, provide for harmonising Cyprus Legislation with the Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. The Regulations apply to thin plastic transport bags and their producers and provide for adopting measures, in specific timetables, for the steady reduction of the consumption of thin plastic carrier bags within the Republic. The Regulations concern: the prevention of the generation of plastic bag waste; the more efficient use of resources, through the rational management of thin plastic carrier bag waste; the reduction of uncontrolled disposal of thin plastic carrier bag waste, in order to reduce environmental pollution. The Regulation provide for informing consumers about the environmental impact of using a thin plastic carrier bag, and the proper ways to dispose of the thin plastic bag waste. The Regulations prescribe restrictions on the production and use of thin plastic bags and their replacement with biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags.