Plastic bag ban in Queensland

From 1 July 2018, retailers are no longer allowed to supply shoppers with single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns, either free or for a charge.

This ban includes compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastic shopping bags.

From 1 September 2023, the ban will also include single-use heavyweight plastic shopping bags. Read more about the plans to extend the ban.

Compliance and reporting

The ban applies to all retail businesses for in-store and online sales. A fine of up to 50 penalty units per offence may apply for:

• not complying with the legislation
• or
• providing misleading information about plastic shopping bags.

The Queensland Government, with the National Retail Association (NRA), continues to work with retailers and bag suppliers to ensure they comply with the plastic bag ban.

Contact the NRA to report bag suppliers who may have provided false information about a banned plastic shopping bag.

Visit QLD Bag Ban or contact NRAs retail hotline on 1800 RETAIL (1800 738 245).

About the plastic bag ban

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Also consider...

• Learn more about the ban on supplying single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags.
• Download fact sheets in Chinese (simplified and traditional), Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese for retailers and customers.