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Are plastic bags illegal in South Africa?

Partly. Plastic bags are restricted in South Africa. A 32c levy applies to each plastic bag; there is no ban.

Customs and Excise Act environmental levy on plastic carrier and flat bags of 24 microns or more, raised from 28c to 32c per bag from 1 Apr 2024 (SARS via Freight News). Levy, not a ban.

Source: Bag levy 32c; SARS 2024

• South Africa is one of 59 countries where plastic bags are banned, and 26 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 6.
• In Africa: banned in 20 of 49 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 South Africa