Using Carrier Bags when Selling in Wales

On the first of October 2011, the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Wales) Regulations became effective.

Although primarily aimed at retail stores it does impact on how you conduct your business if you have customers living in Wales.

If you sell Oriflame in Wales or sell Oriflame goods that are delivered in Wales you need to charge your customer a minimum of £0.05 for single use carrier bags. Giving carrier bags away free is not an option either as you would be breaking the law!

Single use carrier bags include those made from plastic, paper, plant based material or natural starch that are not intended for multiple reuse (like, for example, the big bags for life some supermarkets provide.)

When supplying goods to your customer, you should give them the option to have a carrier bag and tell them it will add 5 pence to their invoice. If they accept this and return the goods at a later date, you are not obliged to refund the cost of the carrier bag.

Sales of carrier bags to your customers need to be recorded and reported annually. The expectation is that proceeds from the sale of carrier bags will be donated to goods causes in Wales less any reasonable expenses.

Although the regulation applies to direct sellers its application is still a little grey. But, if you require more information, please refer log on to http://www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk/?lang=en