Businesses Owe MVR 1.54 Million in Unpaid Plastic Bag Fees: MIRA

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) reported that 317 businesses owe over MVR 1.54 million in unpaid plastic bag fees, introduced in April 2023 under the Waste Management Act to deter single-use plastics. MIRA collected MVR 8.65 million from May to November 2023, but a 70% shortfall occurred due to non-compliance. The government proposed an amendment to exempt bulk purchases, reduce the fee to MVR 0.50, and institute annual reviews. The World Bank noted that the Maldives produces 365,000 tonnes of solid waste annually.

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) reported that 317 businesses owe over MVR 1.54 million in unpaid plastic bag fees, introduced in April 2023 under the Waste Management Act to deter single-use plastics. MIRA collected MVR 8.65 million from May to November 2023, but a 70% shortfall occurred due to non-compliance. The government proposed an amendment to exempt bulk purchases, reduce the fee to MVR 0.50, and institute annual reviews. The World Bank noted that the Maldives produces 365,000 tonnes of solid waste annually.

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) reported that 317 businesses owe over MVR 1.54 million in unpaid plastic bag fees, introduced in April 2023 under the Waste Management Act to deter single-use plastics. MIRA collected MVR 8.65 million from May to November 2023, but a 70% shortfall occurred due to non-compliance. The government proposed an amendment to exempt bulk purchases, reduce the fee to MVR 0.50, and institute annual reviews. The World Bank noted that the Maldives produces 365,000 tonnes of solid waste annually.

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