Lightweight plastic bags wont be free in Croatia from 1 Jan

As of 1st January 2025, lightweight plastic bags, typically found in rolls in fruit and vegetable sections of shops or at market stalls, will no longer be free of charge.

The news was confirmed this morning by Sanja Radović, Head of the Waste Management Sector at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, during an interview on the programme Dobro jutro, Hrvatska, on HRT.

“These lightweight bags must now be labelled with the message ‘Use bags sparingly’ to promote awareness of responsible usage. From 1st January, the mandatory charging of very lightweight plastic bags, often available in rolls in shops, will be introduced.

Retailers will be required to ensure that these bags are available in the appropriate areas, such as the fruit and vegetable sections, and that the price is clearly displayed at these locations. It will not be permitted to sell these bags at checkout counters,” Radović explained.

It is currently unclear how much the bags will cost. The price has not been set by regulation, and retailers will decide the cost themselves.

Some plastic bags were banned as early as 2022.

Since 1st January 2022, Croatia has prohibited the sale of lightweight plastic carrier bags.

This ban is based on the Waste Management Act and applies to plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness of up to 50 micrometres.

However, the use of very lightweight plastic bags, thinner than 15 micrometres, remains permitted for hygienic reasons or when used as primary packaging for loose food items, where they help prevent food waste.

These are the bags that will start being charged for from 1st January 2025.

Plastic carrier bags thicker than 50 micrometres, which are reusable, are still allowed, as their multiple uses contribute to waste prevention.