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Are plastic bags illegal in the Netherlands?

Partly. Plastic bags are restricted in the Netherlands. Free plastic bags are banned; shops must charge for them.

Free plastic carrier bags banned since 2016; shops must charge (guide price EUR 0.25); only very thin (<15 micron) food bags may be free; ILT inspects (rijksoverheid.nl, read 7 Oct 2026). Mandatory charge, amber like Sri Lanka.

Source: Free-bag ban; rijksoverheid

• The Netherlands is one of 59 countries where plastic bags are banned, and 26 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 2 (Germany).
• 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 Netherlands