Effective today (1), traders must charge consumers for plastic shopping bags with handles, following a gazette issued by the Consumer Affairs Authority.

The regulation prohibits the free distribution of bags made of LDPE or LLDPE, requiring traders to display prices and include them on bills.

Central Environmental Authority Chairman Prof. Thilak Hewawasam said the move aims to curb polythene use and urged consumers to bring reusable bags to support environmental protection.