Tourists banned from bringing plastic into Tanzania

[Mattg]

The Tanzanian government is apparently banning all plastic (apart from a few specific exceptions, such as packaging of medicines) from 1 June. The Tanzanian government, as well as several airlines that fly to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are warning travellers not to take plastic into the country with them. There will be a special desk at Tanzanian airports for tourists to surrender plastic bags upon arrival. The ban is for environmental reasons.

Notice to travellers planning to visit Tanzania

The Government of Tanzania wishes to make an official note to travellers planning to visit Tanzania that from 1st June 2019 all plastic carrier bags, regardless of their thickness will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania.

www.atta.travel

The Government of Tanzania wishes to make an official note to travellers planning to visit Tanzania that from 1st June 2019 all plastic carrier bags, regardless of their thickness will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania.

However, plastic or plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, construction industry, agricultural sector, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management are not prohibited.

Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packing plastic carrier bags or items in plastic carrier bags in the suitcase or hand luggage before embarking on visits to Tanzania. Special desks will be designated at all entry points for surrender of plastic carrier bags that visitors may be bringing into Tanzania.

Plastic carrier items known as “Ziploc bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country.

The Government does not intend for visitors to find their stay unpleasant as we enforce the ban. However, the Government expects that, in appreciation of the imperative to protect the environment and keep our country clean and beautiful, our visitors will accept minor inconveniences resulting from the plastic bags ban.

 

[p--and--t]

Kenya already had a similar ban (from Aug 2016) when I visited last year.

Announcements made over the PA on the plane and huge signs in the airport.

All single use plastic bags are banned in the country and fines up to USD37,000 or 4 years jail apply. However they haven't banned plastic straws or "food packaging" plastics as yet.

 

[Scarlett]

1L LAGs plastic bags to be banned at the airport???

This would result is most travellers discarding their current lags bag on arrival and then using a new one on departure or subsequent flights - meaning two plastic bags are used... and completely defeating the purpose of the ban.

Little baggy with basic travellers medicines?

Is a tube of lip balm a single use plastic?

Nice intentions but could get a bit crazy...

 

[stm1sydney]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

 

[suze2000]

1L LAGs plastic bags to be banned at the airport???

From above statement issued by govt: "Plastic carrier items known as “Ziploc bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country."