As of June 1, 2019 all plastic carrier bags will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Tanzania. Plastic or plastic packaging for medical devices, industrial products, the construction industry, the agricultural sector, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management are not prohibited.

Visitors to Tanzania are strongly advised to avoid bringing plastic carrier bags into the country – this includes Duty Free bags. Special desks will be designated at all entry points where banned plastic materials will be surrendered.

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 in the country.

“The government does not intend for visitors to Tanzania to find their stay unpleasant as we enforce the ban. However, the government expects that, in appreciation of the imperative to protect the environment and keep our country clean and beautiful, our visitors will accept minor inconveniences resulting from this plastic bags ban,” the official statement reads in part.