Plastic bags for bread, fruits and vegetables will cost 4 cents

Plastic bags for bread, fruit and vegetables sold in supermarkets, fruit shops or grocery stores will now cost €0.04.

At least this is provided for in the 2024 state budget proposal, in the light of which the new contribution is aimed at “light and very light plastic bags produced, imported or purchased in mainland Portugal, as well as light and light plastic bags.” Very light plastics are supplied to this territory,” that is, those that are “purchased in the wholesale sale of baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables.”

The contribution to light and very light plastic bags is the responsibility of the final buyer, and economic agents participating in the trade chain must transfer the economic burden of the contribution to their buyer in the form of price,” the diploma states.

A ban on the use of ultra-light plastic bags in the sale of bread, fruit and vegetables was due to come into force on June 1, but as Negosios reported in May, the government has decided to “trade” the ban for a fee.

Of the income generated by the collection of the new contribution, 50% goes to the state, 20% to the Environmental Fund for priority use in circular economy measures and 20% to the Trade Modernization Fund, preferably for the implementation of corporate sustainability measures, namely new businesses -models. Also 5% will be allocated to the Portuguese Environment Agency, 3% to AT; 1% for the General Inspectorate of Agriculture, Marine, Environment and Spatial Planning (IGAMAOT) and finally 1% for the Directorate of Food and Economic Security (ASAE).