Retailers face big fines for violating plastic ban

Retailers may be fined up to 10,000 yuan ($1,430) for providing free plastic bags to shoppers, the Ministry of Commerce has proposed..

The penalty will take effect from June 1, according to a draft regulation published on the ministry's website to solicit public opinion till April 14.

The move follows a ban announced in January on the manufacture, sale and use of ultra-thin plastic bags (defined as less than 0.025 mm thick) from June 1 as part of efforts to protect the environment and save energy.