Service Stations Charge Plastic Levy Soon

Seventy-five fuel service stations around the country will introduce Government’s ten cents levy on single use plastic bags from Tuesday, August 1, 2017.

Fiji Fuel Retailers Association (FFRA) secretary John Philp says to mark the progressive introduction of the plastic bag levy, the service stations are taking up a collective challenge to go further by asking customers to bring a bag or hand carry purchases. Dubbed the “One Million Plastic Bag Challenge”, the fuel retailers are targeting over one hundred and seventy thousand licensed drivers as well as walk in customers who utilise the convenience stores located at fuel service stations. “FFRA has invested in an awareness programme including posters and counter signage that will encourage our customers to join in our challenge to reduce one million plastic bags in twelve months,” Mr Philp said.

“Service station attendants will be our champions by challenging customers to join our commitment to reduce the number of plastic bags used in our country annually.

“Into the future, the fuel retailers are also exploring options to introduce recycling points in order to reduce the amount of single use plastic products which end up in our rivers and ocean.”

Mr Philp concluded that the association was committed to being a progressive industry that makes positive contributions toward our Fijian communities, livelihoods and the economy.

Under the Environment Levy (Budget Amendment) Act 2017, the ten cents levy is payable by a customer when provided a plastic bag from retailers that use a Point of Sale system and will be reflected on invoices and receipts.

Retailers are required to then transfer the levy monthly to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service separately from the service turnover and value added tax.