January 20, 2021 – From January 1, 2021, the norms of the Law on Internal Trade, art. 20¹ para. 3 and 4, which prohibits the sale of very thin plastic bags with a wall thickness of less than 15 microns, other than those used as packaging, and the use / sale of plates, plastic cups, other tableware accessories, and disposable chopsticks made of plastic, except for biodegradable ones.

The phrase ” other tableware accessories” has generated uncertainty, both among traders and inspectors.

The question is, what products are considered accessories of mass services? Lids for tea and coffee cups, casseroles, etc.… Do these plastic products fall into the category of other tableware accessories prohibited for use in Moldova, or not?

All these questions were answered at a meeting of the Economic Council, representatives of the business community, who are required to implement the new provisions, but also representatives of state authorities, who are required to verify how the law is enforced.

The representative of the Agency for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance Ion Mateescu mentioned that in the near future, in order to make it clear, the relevant public authorities will draw up an exhaustive list of products that fall under the restrictions provided by art. 20¹ para. 4 of the Internal Trade Law.

At the same time, the participants in the discussions agreed that the private sector will present to the authorities a position document in which the uncertain norms in the application of the discussed legal provisions will be presented, but also with proposals for solutions to overcome the created situation.

Prohibitions on the use of plastic products were adopted in 2017-2018.

The Secretariat of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, funded by the UK Government’s Good Governance Fund.