Niger – select plastic laws

NIGER PLASTIC LAW

PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC, DECREE NO. 2015-321/PRN/MESU/DD of  June 25th, 2015, defining the modalities of application of the law no. 2014-63 of November 5, 2014, on the prohibition of the production, import, marketing, use and storage of bags and flexible plastic packaging made of low-density. [Beginning on page 1513]

The Republic of Niger prohibits on its territory, non-biodegradable and non-oxo-degradable plastic bags and flexible plastic packaging of thickness less than 15 microns; as well as bags and packaging not labeled as follows:identity of the producer and country of importation or origin; density of the material; thickness of the material; resistance in weight; biodegradable or oxo-degradable; and duration of lifetime. Art. 4.

Within the meaning of Article 1 paragraph 3 of Law No. 2014-63 of November 05, 2014, the types of bags and packaging made of low density flexible plastic that can be produced, imported, marketed, used or stored are: 

• Certified biodegradable or oxo-degradable soft plastic bags and packaging (materials that disintegrate under the action of light, heat or other oxidant).
• Bags and plastic packaging of medium or high density certified by the competent services recognized by the State. Art. 3.

Discharge of plastic waste on the territory of a municipality, in a water body or in a sewage system is strictly forbidden. Art. 15.

Exemption measures. 

For scientific, sanitary or experimental reasons, a special authorization may be granted for the production, import, use and storage of bags and packaging made of low density flexible plastic. A special authorization may be granted by the Minister in charge of the environment. Art. 5. 

Checking for conformity

When the conformity of the bags or plastic packaging is considered doubtful, an expert assessment is carried out by an organization or  laboratory recognized by the State. The costs of the assessment shall be borne by the holder of the plastic bags or plastic packaging in question. Art. 13.

Stocks of plastic bags and packaging that do not comply with the specifications laid down by the law may be destroyed under the supervision of an ad hoc committee set up by the Minister in charge of the Environment. Art. 14.

Import and export

Niger’s law requires special authorizations for the import of bags and flexible low-density plastic packaging. Art. 5.