LAHORE: The Punjab government has banned all shops and commercial establishments across the province from charging customers separately for plastic shopping bags, as part of new measures aimed at reducing plastic pollution and strengthening environmental protection.
Under fresh directives issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, the new rules will come into force on September 6, 2026. From that date, shops, shopping malls, hotels and other commercial outlets will not be allowed to recover any separate price or additional charge from customers for plastic shopping bags.
Director General EPA Punjab Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said some businesses had been selling plastic shopping bags carrying their own branding and charging customers extra while also earning a profit. He said the practice would now be prohibited across the province.
According to the notification, charging customers separately for plastic shopping bags will be treated as a violation of environmental regulations. Businesses found violating the rules may face fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000. In cases of serious or repeated violations, authorities may also seal the business premises and register an FIR.
Dr Sheikh said members of the public could report violations by calling the EPA Punjab helpline 1373 if any business charges extra for plastic shopping bags.
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He clarified that the restriction applies only to plastic shopping bags. Businesses may continue to charge customers for reusable bags made from cloth or other environmentally friendly materials.
The DG EPA said the initiative is intended to reduce the use of single-use plastic shopping bags, curb plastic pollution and support the Punjab government’s broader environmental protection goals.
