GIS – 17 July 2026: Immediate action towards the elimination of plastic is required to minimise damage to human health, marine life and ecosystems, stated the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, on 14 July 2026 in the National Assembly, in reply to a Parliamentary Question.
The Prime Minister outlined Government’s measures to address plastic pollution, including the extension of the Rs 2 excise duty on plastic bottles containing goods as from 01 October 2026. This measure, he pointed out, is expected to generate around Rs 135 million in revenue during the Financial Year 2026-27 and aims at encouraging more environment-friendly consumption and manufacturing practices.
Dr Ramgoolam explained that the extension of the excise duty will not apply to 38 categories of products, including milk products, infant food, edible oils, margarine and butter, spices, honey, prepared vegetables, juices, baby products and pharmaceutical products, taking into consideration the availability of alternatives and the potential impact on essential products.
He observed that the additional revenue collected will be credited to the Consolidated Fund, and highlighted Government’s ongoing investment in environmental initiatives. This includes the allocation of Rs 2.5 billion from the Consolidated Fund to the Climate and Sustainability Fund for Financial Year 2026-27, as well as Rs 3.5 billion earmarked for environmental protection projects and programmes, he said.
Regarding support for local manufacturers and recyclers, the Prime Minister stated that the existing refund scheme for waste PET bottles will be extended to cover waste plastic bottles. He recalled that the scheme provides a refund of Rs 15 per kilogramme for exporters of waste PET bottles and Rs 30 per kilogramme for local recyclers.
He further outlined measures under the 10-year Roadmap for a Plastic Pollution-Free Mauritius, including studies on recyclable plastic products, the establishment of technical standards for recycled plastic, and capacity-building initiatives for recyclers and local authorities.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org/gis Mobile App: GIS News
