Izvestia: The Ministry of Industry and Trade wants to ban the import of plastic goods

The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to propose to the government to introduce a ban on the supply of plastic goods from abroad, including disposable tableware and bags. They are proposed to be replaced with biodegradable counterparts, glass, paper and wood products, reports “News”.

According to sources of the publication, there are 28 goods on the list for the import ban – it also includes cotton buds, containers, cups. A restriction on the production and circulation of these products within the country is also being considered. The Ministry of Industry and Trade explained to the newspaper that the introduction of the ban is provided for within the framework of the federal project “Circular Economy”, the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) has been appointed responsible.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade added that they are discussing the transition to the use of alternative products with business representatives and specialized associations. The Ministry of Agriculture said that consideration of such restrictions is possible after an analysis of alternatives to such packaging. The cost of such materials should be economically viable for the production of products for the population, the department noted.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Regional Economic Development in 2022 worked out limiting the circulation of disposable plastic tableware in the Kuban and Crimea. The choice of regions was explained by the increasing tourist load. Experts feared that retail chains would bear the brunt of the plastic ban. Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko promisedthat Russia will start phasing out single-use plastic products and packaging from 2025.

Laura Keffer