On May 23, 2023, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published guidelines on banning single-use plastic items in England on its official government website.Starting October 1, 2023, businesses in England are prohibited from selling or supplying certain single-use plastic items. The ban mainly includes the following:

(1)Prohibiting the supply of single-use plastic plates, trays, and bowls to the public, though exemptions apply in cases such as supplying these items to another business or using them for packaging products at the point of sale.

(2)Prohibiting the supply of single-use plastic cutlery or balloon sticks. This banhas no exemptions.

(3)Prohibiting the use of polystyrene containers for ready-to-eat food and beverages, including polystyrene cups. Exemptions apply if the food or beverage requires further preparation before consumption, such as adding water, microwaving, or baking.

For non-compliant businesses, local authorities in England will conduct inspections and may impose fines. Companies should prepare for the new rules, use up existing inventory by October 1, and seek reusable alternatives or single-use items made from different materials.

Against the backdrop of global carbon neutrality policies, plastic restriction measures are frequently introduced worldwide. The UK, Wales, and Scotland have already legislated to ban or restrict the supply and sale of single-use plastics. The guidelines issued for England mark another major plastic ban initiative.

Customs reminds relevant companies to, on one hand, stay updated on new policies, note deadlines, clear inventory before the specified date, and monitor technical trade developments to prepare countermeasures in advance. On the other hand, they should actively transform and upgrade, develop recyclable, biodegradable alternatives, increase green product supply, and enhance product technological content.