Maldives’ plastic bag levy revenue down with reduced consumption

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  • Maldives’ plastic bag levy revenue down with reduced consumption

THE Maldives’ plastic bag levy is cutting plastic consumption as intended, with government revenue from the surcharge dropping 40 per cent in the first two months of 2026, the Maldives’ state media PSM News said Saturday. Statistics released by the Maldives Inland R e v e n u e Au t h o r i t y showed that the state collected US$43,259.47 from the levy during January and February, down from $72,186.64 in the same period last year. The levy, introduced under the national Waste Management Act, has required retailers to charge $0.13 per plastic bag at the point of sale, PSM News said. Officials said the lower revenue reflects a decline in plastic bag imports, indicating reduced consumption nationwide. — Xinhua

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