Hong Kong traders call for grace period ahead of second phase of plastics ban next year

Hong Kong traders are urging authorities to grant another grace period for the second phase of the single-use plastics ban next year, amid the conclusion of the first stage on Monday.

A supplier emphasised the need for a transition period to help businesses adjust to the new regulation, while retailers’ had a mixed outlook for the future.

Alvis Yip Pak-lun, founder of Supply Ching, suggested a staggered approach for eateries to switch to alternative products, to allow time for suppliers to adapt to the change.

“If they switch to all alternative cutlery at once, it would be difficult for us suppliers,” he told a radio programme on Monday.

Authorities had enacted the first phase of the plastics ban on April 22 this year, with a transition period of six months. This early stage prohibited the sale or provision of plastic products such as utensils, stirrers and straws.

The grace period is set to end on Monday, and the Environmental Protection Department would start enforcement against the prohibited products the following day.