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Are plastic bags illegal in the United Kingdom?

Partly. Plastic bags are restricted in the United Kingdom. Shops must charge at least 10p per bag; there is no ban.

Single Use Carrier Bags Charges Order 2015, raised to 10p and extended to all businesses 21 May 2021; gov.uk 2025-26 data published 30 Jul 2026 (399m bags sold). Devolved nations have their own charges. Charge, not a ban.

Source: Bag charge; gov.uk Jul 2026

• The United Kingdom is one of 59 countries where plastic bags are banned, and 26 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 1.
• 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 the United Kingdom