EPD - Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags

The Scope

The Levy

Plastic Shopping Bags Subject to the Environmental Levy

The Product List

The Administration of the Levy Scheme

General

Type 1 Exemption – Exemption for Non-specified Goods

Type 2 Exemption – Exemption for Third Party Operator

Application for Registration

Completing the Registration Form

Certificate of Registration

Change of Information

Variation of Exemption

Deregistration of Registered Retailer / Registered Retail Outlet

Enquiries

Forms for Download

Filing the “Quarterly Return and Payment” Form

Completing the “Quarterly Return and Payment” form

Levy Scheme Implementation Dates

Scope of Levy Scheme

Exemptions under Levy Scheme

Implementation

For Trade

General Matters

Levy Scheme Implementation Dates

Registration Matters

Display of Registration Certificate

Application for Exemption

Submission of Quarterly Return and Payment

Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags - Registration

Deregistration of Registered Retailer and/or Registered Retail Outlet

A registered retailer may apply to the EPD for deregistration through the submission of the "Application for Deregistration of Registered Retailer / Registered Retail Outlet" form (Form PSB-4) when-

the registered retailer is no longer a "prescribed retailer" i.e. the retailer no longer operates 5 or more qualified retail outlets in Hong Kong or at least one qualified retail outlet that has a retail floor area of not less than 200 square metres;

the registered retailer ceases to carry on a retail business in the outlet;
the outlet applying for deregistration is no longer a qualified retail outlet; and
the registered retailer ceases to provide plastic shopping bags from the outlet.

A registered retail outlet is and remains as a registered outlet of the registered retailer unless an application for deregistration has been submitted by the registered retailer and approved by the EPD.

When and where to submit?

A registered retailer should allow at least 10 working days for the EPD to process the application. The completed deregistration form should be submitted by post to:

Address:	Environmental Protection Department, 28/F., Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Attention:	Plastic Shopping Bags Levy Scheme

Outcome of the application

Upon determination of an application, the registered retailer will be notified in writing the outcome of his application and the effective date of deregistration if his application is successful.

No plastic shopping bags shall be provided to customers of a retail outlet (except it is no longer a qualified retail outlet or an outlet operated by a prescribed retailer) on or after the effective date of deregistration; failing to do so may be an offence liable to prosecution. In other words, the last day to provide plastic shopping bags or the last operation day of the retail outlets should be one day before the effective date of deregistration as stated in the letter of approval issued by the EPD.

If the deregistered retail outlet needs to continue its business (and distribute PSBs) on or after the deregistration date approved by the EPD, the registered retailer should inform the EPD immediately but in any case before the effective date of deregistration. The registered retailer shall inform the EPD the revised last date of business through email (at psb@epd.gov.hk) or by fax (2305-0453) without recourse to a new application.