Punjab Plastic Bag Ban 2026: 75-Micron Rule, Fines Up to Rs50,000 and Helpline 1373

Plastic shopping bags are now a legal issue for shops across Punjab, not just an environment slogan. The Punjab plastic bag ban targets thin single-use bags and, since September 2026, also bans shops from charging customers separately for plastic bags. Fines can reach Rs 50,000, and serious violations can lead to sealing of premises or a criminal case. This guide explains the 75-micron rule, the charges ban, the fines, and how citizens can report violations.

What Is Banned Under the Punjab Plastic Bag Ban?

The ban covers single-use plastic products, with shopping bags as the main target. Under the Punjab Environmental Protection (Production and Consumption of Single-Use Plastic Products) Regulations 2023, all shopping bags and polythene bags thinner than 75 microns are banned. The ban covers manufacturing, distribution, sale and everyday use in shops, restaurants, hotels and markets. Thin bags tear easily, cannot be recycled properly, and end up in drains and fields.

• 75-micron limit: Any plastic bag thinner than 75 microns is prohibited.
• Full supply chain: Making, supplying, selling and using such bags are all covered.
• Where it applies: Shops, retail outlets, restaurants, hotels and markets across Punjab.

The September 2026 Ban on Charging for Plastic Bags

In July 2026, the Punjab EPA issued a major order that changed the daily shopping experience. From 6 September 2026, shops, retail outlets, restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments cannot charge customers separately for plastic shopping bags given during a sale. The order was issued by EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh under Section 5(4) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997. The EPA said charging for plastic bags had become a profit-making practice.

• What is banned: Any separate fee or price charged for a plastic shopping bag.
• From when: The order came into force on 6 September 2026.
• What is allowed: Shops may still charge for reusable bags made from cloth or other environment-friendly material.

Fines and Action Against Violators

Violations of the plastic rules are punished under Regulation 13 read with Schedule V of the 2023 Regulations. The EPA has warned that enforcement is carried out through inspections across Punjab, and action is not limited to a warning. Businesses should treat the rules seriously.

• Fine range: Fines from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 for violations.
• Sealing: Commercial premises can be sealed in serious cases.
• Criminal case: A criminal case (FIR) can be registered against offenders in serious cases.
• Confiscation: Banned plastic stock found during inspections can be seized by EPA teams.

October 2026 Enforcement: What Actually Happened

Enforcement in 2026 has not stayed on paper. In a crackdown reported on 17 October 2026, EPA Punjab inspected 264 locations, issued 40 notices and sealed four premises. Officials seized 1,368 kilograms of banned plastic and imposed fines totalling Rs 60,000 in that drive. In a separate action reported on 3 October 2026, the EPA Lahore field office seized 1,250 kilograms of banned polythene bags from a plastic warehouse in Samanabad, Lahore, and sealed the premises.

• 264 locations: Inspected in the October 2026 crackdown drive.
• 40 notices: Issued to businesses found violating the rules.
• 4 premises sealed: Closed during the same enforcement drive.

What Shoppers and Shopkeepers Should Do Now

The practical message is simple for both sides. Shoppers should carry a cloth bag and refuse to pay a separate plastic bag charge, because that charge is now banned. Shopkeepers should stop stocking bags thinner than 75 microns, stop charging for plastic bags, and switch to cloth or reusable bags that they are allowed to sell. Citizens can report violations through the EPA helpline.

• Carry a cloth bag: The easiest way to avoid the issue completely.
• Refuse plastic charges: A separate charge for a plastic bag is against the September 2026 order.
• Switch stock: Shopkeepers should remove sub-75-micron bags from their stores.
• Report violations: Call the EPA helpline 1373 with the shop name and location.

Plastic-Free Alternatives That Shops Can Sell

Going plastic-free does not mean going without bags. Shops can legally sell reusable bags and build customer loyalty around them. Cloth bags, jute bags and sturdy recyclable bags can all be charged for, unlike plastic bags.

• Cloth bags: Washable, strong and allowed to be sold at a price.
• Jute and canvas bags: Durable options for grocery and retail use.
• Recyclable bags: Bags made from recyclable, environment-friendly material are permitted.

Conclusion

The Punjab plastic bag ban is now a working enforcement system, not a future promise. Bags thinner than 75 microns are banned, shops cannot charge separately for plastic bags since 6 September 2026, and fines of Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, sealing and criminal cases are real risks for violators. October 2026 inspections show that EPA teams are active on the ground. Carry cloth bags, report violations on 1373, and switch fully to reusable bags.

FAQs

Are all plastic bags banned in Punjab? No. Only single-use bags thinner than 75 microns are banned; reusable cloth bags are allowed and may be charged for.

Can a shop charge me for a plastic bag? No. Since 6 September 2026, shops cannot charge customers separately for plastic shopping bags.

How do I report a shop that charges for plastic bags? Call the EPA helpline 1373 and give the shop name and location so enforcement teams can take action.