The government will be purchasing all existing stocks of "legally bought" plastic bags from retailers as the transition period for the implementation of the new plastic bag regulations comes to an end.

The move is intended to reinforce the government's commitment towards the environment, the Rural Affairs Ministry said.

When asked what would happen to the retrieved stocks, a ministry spokesman said: "They will be exported for recycling... It is an administrative measure, but if we extend the transition period people will keep buying illegal stocks," he said.

The tax on the bags does not differentiate between degradable and conventional plastics and its environmental benefits have been questioned by environmentalists and retailers alike.

The eco tax it replaces taxed plastics according to their associated environmental burden but this failed because of a lack of enforcement.

On May 1, the new regulations on plastic bags will come into force. Every plastic bag, including those without handles, would be checked to ensure that the eco contribution had been paid, the Resources Ministry said.

It advised anybody having plastic bags that do not conform to the new eco contribution to register their stocks at the Malta Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU offices by Wednesday.

The relevant receipts must be provided as proof of purchase. Each request for payment would be investigated carefully and legal action would be taken when irregularities were discovered, the Resources Ministry said.