If you're planning to travel to this country, leave all your plastic bags behind

Muscat: From June 1, visitors to the Republic of Tanzania will no longer be able to bring plastic bags into the country, the Tanzanian Government has decided.

According to the new rule, customs authorities will confiscate the bags from visitors at the border or at airports, even if the bags are packed in their luggage.

The Omani Embassy in Dar es Salaam posted a statement issued by the Tanzanian Vice president's office, regarding the notice to travellers who are planning to visit Tanzania.

"From 1st June 2019, all plastic carrier bags, regardless of their thickness, will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, sorted, supplied and used in mainland Tanzania," the statement said.

"However, plastic or plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, construction industry, agriculture sector, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management sectors are not prohibited," the government clarified.

In an advisory to visitors, the statement said that they should avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packing plastic carrier bags or items in these bags in their baggage or hand luggage before leaving for Tanzania. "A special desk will be designated at all entry points for the surrender of plastic carrier bags that visitors may be bringing into Tanzania," the statement said.

"Plastic carriers items known as "Ziploc bags" that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed off within the country."