Bye bye plastic bags in Panama

Members of Panama's National Assembly, approved the law No. 492 "which adopts measures to promote the use of reusable bags in commercial establishments". It is an initiative that is important, but scarcely consulted with environmental non-governmental organizations and the business sector. A great effort of diffusion and a viable operational framework (regulations of the law) for its implementation will be necessary.

Considering that it is a relatively short text, transcribe it full. 

"THE ASSEMBLY NATIONAL DECREES:

Article 1. The use of polyethylene or conventional plastic supermarket bags is prohibited. Supermarkets, Department stores and shops in general for transport of products or goods, which are not compatible with the mitigation of the environmental impact.

The Ministry of the environment shall determine in one period not longer than fifteen calendar days, counted from the promulgation of this law, the technical specifications that must meet the plastic bags, so that they conform to the parameters required for reuse. 

Article 2. Establishments referred to in this law shall make the progressive replacement of the banned bags. By Containers of non-polluting material or reusable plastic, within the following time limits:

1. Twelve months, counting from the promulgation of this law, for supermarkets, pharmacies and retailers.

2. Twenty-four months, counting from the promulgation of this law, for stores and wholesalers. 

Article 3. This law shall not apply when for reasons of aseptic polyethylene bags or other conventional plastic material should be used to contain food or wet processed inputs or pre-made and no practical use of a substitute that is compatible with the minimization of the environmental impact.

Article 4. Consumer and competition protection authority will be responsible for the implementation of this law and the control of replacement that is article 2. 

Article 5. The Ministry of environment shall have the following responsibilities: 

1. Develop campaigns for dissemination and national awareness about the rational use of non-biodegradable and non-degradable material, as well as the benefits to the environment from the use of reusable bags or environmentally friendly materials.

2 activities with the purpose of adding to companies not provided for in this law, related to the marketing of products, so that they match the requirements of this Act.

Article 6. Merchants may choose by collection or not reusable bags. In the event that they decide to charge them to consumers, consumer and competition protection authority supervise are charged at cost. For such purpose, shall send to the authority, at the beginning of each year, the stated cost of these.

Article 7. Consumer and competition protection authority will determine the sanctions that apply for breach or violation of this law, in accordance with the law 45 of 2007. 

Article 8. The revenue collected in respect of a fine will be in a fund that will create the protection authority consumer and competition, earmarked for programs of recycling and teaching about issues relating to polluting materials. Article 9. This law will begin to rule the day of its promulgation.

Project N. 492 2017 approved in the third debate in the Palace Justo Arosemena, Panama City, on the tenth day of the month of August two thousand and seventeen year".