The levy on plastic carrier bags means that retailers must charge consumers and the proceeds of the tax will be forwarded to the Department of the Environment. The department is targeting an 80% reduction in the use of carrier bags as a result of the tax.
It also applies to bags made from paper, plant-based material or natural starch. There are exemptions on the grounds of hygine, the protection of goods and confidentiality, such as bags for medicines.
The move has been slammed by packaging trade organisations including Pafa, which claims that there is no evidenced to support suggestions that bag charges deliver environmental benefits.
Source:
http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/shoppers-charged-for-bags-in-northern-ireland/
