Oct 27 (NHK) - Japan's government has decided to delay the introduction of mandatory charges for plastic bags at supermarkets, convenience stores and all other retail outlets for three months to July next year. It cites the need for time to prepare for the change.
The government had proposed all retailers begin charging customers for plastic bags as early as April next year.
But at meetings of an expert panel set up last month, industry groups argued they would require time to modify cash registers, notify customers and adjust shopping bag inventories.
Each retailer would decide the prices of its plastic bags. The small, thin plastic types for items such as fish and meat would remain free, since they are used for hygiene reasons.
The government plans to finalize the details of its plan by year-end, after presenting its proposals at a panel meeting next month and soliciting opinions from the public.
