The modification banning waste importation to the Maldives is now in effect, and the charge that was previously placed on wholesale plastic bags has been removed.

Last Monday, the Parliament approved changes to the Waste Management Act, which were then confirmed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday.

The amendment sets forth criteria for creating waste management systems and facilities, enforcing secure waste management practices, and distributing the necessary resources for their functioning. It likewise details the specific duties of the Utility Regulatory Authority and the Environmental Regulatory Authority.

According to the revised legislation, the Environmental Regulatory Authority is authorized to create rules that impose penalties on individuals who breach waste management protocols established by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, particularly when these breaches negatively impact the environment or public health.

Effective waste management systems should be implemented on islands and in areas designated for economic or industrial use, with the Utility Regulatory Authority responsible for ensuring and overseeing adherence. Waste produced beyond the boundaries of a populated island must be taken to a waste management facility situated on a populated island.

The amendment additionally frees businesses from the MVR 2 charge on plastic bags sold or given to customers at the checkout, along with packs containing over 50 plastic bags. This concludes the double taxation that was formerly levied on these transactions.

After the amendment's ratification, any party importing waste into the Maldives commits a criminal act. The sale, use, or distribution of hazardous waste without a permit granted by the Environmental Regulatory Authority is similarly deemed a punishable offense.