KYIV, June 1 – The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a bill restricting the circulation of plastic bags on the territory of Ukraine, which introduces a gradual ban on the distribution of plastic bags free of charge in retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes and other catering and service establishments.

Bill No. 2051-1 during the repeated second reading was supported by 297 MPs with the required 226 votes.

The ban applies to the distribution of ultra-thin plastic bags, as well as thin and oxo-degradable plastic bags, but does not apply to biodegradable plastic bags and ultra-thin ones intended for packaging fish, meat, bulk products and ice, according to the documents posted on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.