The government this evening appealed to importers, retailers and consumers to pull the same rope on the implementation of the eco-contribution on plastic carrier bags.

It said the contribution was based on carrier bags, not bags used to carry food, because the intention was not to collect tax, but to reduce the use of plastic.

The ministry said it was closely following market reaction to the measure and would take other measures if needed.

The statement was issued after a newspaper today reported that retailers had found a way around the eco-tax by giving consumers bags without handles.

In its statement the Resources Ministry said that Malta used some 40 million plastic bags annually. These were harmful to the environment and health.

The eco-contribution on plastic bags was aimed at encouraging consumers to seek an alternative which did not harm the environment.

Malta, the statement said, was now taking a proactive role and it was on the forefront, together with a number of other countries, to reduce the use of such bags.

It said that the government's interest was not to collect 15c tax on every carrier bat, but to reduce use.

The VAT Department pointed out that there were sanctions aimed at those breaching the law. Difficulties could be cleared with the department on freephone: 8007 4404 or 2149 9330, e-mail - vat@gov.mt