The law prohibiting the use of these bags was due to come into force on Thursday, June 1, but the Government has instead changed the rules and will be charging customers, according to a report by Jornal de Notícias.

“In the future, preference should be given to the use of proprietary bags or reusable alternatives. The use of very light bags will be subject to the payment of a contribution similar to light plastic bags”, explained the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action (MAAC). With this change, the Government considers that it is “meeting European standards”.

The Ministry supervised by Duarte Cordeiro did not say, however, what amount will be paid, nor when the charge will come into force.