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Are plastic bags illegal in Germany?

Yes. Plastic bags are banned in Germany. Plastic bags 15-50 microns thick banned since 2022.

Verpackungsgesetz s.5(2): plastic carrier bags 15-50 microns banned from 1 Jan 2022, including bio-based ones; fines up to EUR 100,000 (chemie.de, 28 Nov 2025).

Source: VerpackG s.5(2)

• Germany is one of 59 countries where plastic bags are banned, and 26 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 2 of 9 (Austria and France).
• In Europe: banned in 10 of 39 countries.

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Other countries that ban plastic bags

Solomon IslandsVanuatuMarshall IslandsFijiSt. Kitts & NevisAntigua & BarbudaBarbadosBelizeJamaicaEritreaMauritaniaCameroonCongo - BrazzavilleMadagascarAll 59 on the map ›

What else is banned in Germany