Maldives prohibits waste importation; removes fee on plastic bags sold wholesale

The amendment prohibiting the importation of waste into the Maldives has come into effect, while the fee previously imposed on plastic bags sold at wholesale has been abolished.

The Parliament passed amendments to the Waste Management Act last Monday, which were subsequently ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday.

The amendment establishes guidelines for developing waste management systems and centres, implementing safe waste management policies, and allocating the resources required for their operation. It also outlines the respective responsibilities of the Utility Regulatory Authority and the Environmental Regulatory Authority.

Under the amended law, the Environmental Regulatory Authority is empowered to formulate regulations imposing fines on individuals who violate waste management practices mandated by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, where such violations have adverse effects on the environment or public health.

Proper waste management systems must be established on islands and in regions leased for economic or industrial purposes, with the Utility Regulatory Authority tasked with verifying and monitoring compliance. Waste generated outside the jurisdiction of an inhabited island must be transported to a waste management centre located on an inhabited island.

The amendment also exempts businesses from the MVR 2 fee on plastic bags sold or provided to customers at the point of sale, as well as bundles containing more than 50 plastic bags. This brings an end to the double taxation previously imposed on such transactions.

Following the ratification of the amendment, the importation of waste into the Maldives by any party constitutes a criminal offence. The sale, use, or distribution of hazardous waste without a permit issued by the Environmental Regulatory Authority is also classified as a punishable offence.

Regulations required under the amendment must be formulated and published in the Government Gazette within 30 days of the Act coming into force. The amendment took effect upon its ratification and subsequent publication in the Government Gazette.