Law amended to exempt bulk purchases of plastic bags from the MVR two levy
24 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 10:53Following the ratification of an amendment to the Waste Management Act, consumers are no longer required to pay the two-rupee plastic bag levy when purchasing wholesale packs containing 50 or more bags. The government stated that this change effectively eliminates the "double taxation" previously faced by those buying bags in bulk. This new regulation has come into immediate effect following the President's approval of the bill.
A white plastic bag lying on the seabed. | Alamy
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified an amendment to the law, exempting the MVR two plastic bag levy on purchases of wholesale plastic bag bundles.
With this amendment, the MVR two fee previously levied on plastic bags sold or provided to customers at the point of sale will no longer apply to wholesale packs containing 50 or more bags. Despite heavy criticism of the previous administration's decision to implement the MVR two plastic bag tax, the current government has not reduced the tax rate itself. Regarding this change, the government stated that the move is intended to eliminate the "double taxation" that occurred under the previous system.
According to official statistics, the state generated MVR 5.9 million from plastic bag levies last year.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday ratified the first amendment to the Waste Management Act (Law No. 24/2022).
This Bill was passed by the People’s Majlis at the 25th sitting of its second session of 2026, held on Monday, 17th August 2026.
This Act shall come into force upon its ratification by the President and subsequent publication in the Government Gazette.
