Belgrade to join cities without plastic bags from 2020

As of January 1, 2020 merchants in Belgrade would have to scrap plastic bags and thus join five European Union cities, and dozens in Africa, North Americas and Asia who have already introduced the ban due to the damaging effect plastic has on the environment, the Beta news agency reported.

Instead, the customers would be offered paper bags with or without charge, Belgrade City Hall members decided on Tuesday.

Also, Belgrade authorities promised to distribute cotton-made bags to customers.

Transparent plastic bags will be legal at the airports for security reason.

Any violation of the regulation carries fine ranging from 200 to 1,200  Euros for both a company and an individual in charge.