Sub-Decree No. 168 on the Management of Plastic Bags.

This Sub-Decree aims to increase effectiveness of plastic reduction on importation, production, distribution and the use of plastic bag in order to improve the public health, environment and landscape.
The Sub-Decree makes proviisons for: duties of relevant authorities; duties of citizens; general measures in managing plastic bags; and penalties. The tax for importation or production of biodegradable or bioplastic items shall be state-borne (art.16). To get such entitlement, businesses shall file applications to the Ministry of Economy and Finance after receiving approval from the Ministry of Environment (art.17). According to Article 14 of the SubDecree, plastic bags for carrying shall be prohibited for importation, local production, distribution, and use unless its thickness is measured from 0.03 millimeters with a base width from 25 centimeters or 10 inches. A permit from the Ministry of Environment is required for production and importation of plastic bags except for non-business importation of less than 100 kilograms.