The Ministry of Industry and Trade denied reports of a ban on the import of plastic products

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia is not going to ban the import of plastic goods, informs TASS with reference to the press service of the department. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is working to limit the circulation of plastic products to reduce environmental damage, the ministry explained.

“The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia is working to limit (not ban) the circulation of plastic products (packaging, dishes, hygiene items) in order to reduce the harm caused to the environment during their disposal. <...> At the same time, there is no talk of a ban on imports or a ban on production. It should be noted that it is the restriction of turnover on certain types of packaging that will affect the need for imports of plastic packaging due to market factors, that is, there will be a decrease in demand for such products within the country,” the ministry said.

Earlier today, Izvestia, citing sources reportedthat the Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed to ban the supply of 28 plastic goods to Russia, including disposable tableware, cotton buds, bags and plastic containers.

It was also reported that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is studying the possibility of limiting the volume of production and turnover of these products within Russia. It was clarified that they propose to replace plastic goods with products made from a biodegradable analogue, glass, paper and wood. The department emphasized that the cost of such materials should be economically feasible, including for the production of socially significant products.