Nepal's plastic ban is no longer a distant regulatory threat — it's active enforcement. Since the Ministry of Forests and Environment began widening the scope of prohibited plastic items in 2023, businesses across all sectors have faced increasing pressure to transition away from conventional plastic packaging.
The most recent notification extends bans to all single-use plastic carry bags (regardless of thickness) in 18 major municipalities, with national enforcement expected to follow the same pattern as previous bans — starting in urban centres and extending to district municipalities within 12–18 months.
What constitutes compliance? Under current guidelines, institutions using certified compostable bags (IS/ISO 17088 certified) are explicitly exempt from the ban. This means your compliance obligation is twofold: (1) switching to certified compostable packaging, and (2) maintaining documentation to demonstrate the certification of your packaging supplier.
Documentation is the detail most businesses overlook. Enforcement officers conducting spot checks are looking for the IS/ISO 17088 logo on the bag and, for larger institutions, a supplier certificate. Without a certificate from your packaging supplier, even genuinely compostable bags can create audit problems.
The practical steps: First, audit your current packaging categories — identify all plastic carry bags, shopping bags, and waste bags in current use. Second, get quotes from certified compostable bag suppliers (like ABI Biobags) for equivalent specifications. Third, request copies of IS/ISO 17088 certificates from your supplier. Fourth, update your procurement records to reference the certification numbers. Fifth, brief your operations team on the new bags and correct disposal guidance.
The transition timeline depends on your current contract cycle. For institutions with monthly rolling procurement, a 30-day switch is achievable. For those on quarterly or annual contracts, plan the transition to align with your next procurement cycle.
If you need help understanding the documentation requirements specific to your industry — hospital, retail, hotel, or government — our compliance team can assist. Contact us or use our quote form to start the conversation.