Tahiti officials propose plastic ban changes

Nicole Sanquer and Nuihau Laurey, elected officials from A Here ia Porinetia, are proposing to ease the rules on the single-use plastic ban, especially for restaurants. They want to allow certain disposable tableware made of biodegradable or compostable materials and shift the burden of proof to the government to show alternatives exist before penalizing businesses.

Plastic ban implementation faces challenges

The single-use plastic and aluminum food container ban, introduced by a law in September 2024, has been in effect since July. However, restaurants and food vendors have struggled to comply, with reports that polystyrene trays and plastic-wrapped cardboard packaging were still available as late as August 2025.

Officials push for direct legal change

Nicole Sanquer previously criticized the government for not providing enough support or alternatives for small businesses. This time, she and Laurey aim to amend the environmental code directly, proposing that the plastic ban does not apply to professional uses where no suitable alternative exists.

Proposed rules shift responsibility

Under the proposal, if a business cannot find a suitable alternative, it could continue using plastic items without prior authorization. The burden of proof would shift to the country to show an alternative exists, but the alternative must be genuinely available, compatible with health and technical standards, and financially viable for the business.

Officials set clear limits on exceptions

The proposal emphasizes that a theoretical solution or one requiring disproportionate investment would not justify continued use of plastic. No fines could be issued if the government cannot prove an alternative was available. The proposal also rules out using plastic simply because of brand preference or a small surcharge, or if a replacement solution is already in use.

Proposal includes funding for alternative research

The proposal calls for the country to fund studies and tests to find alternatives to plastic, considering the unique needs of each archipelago. However, it does not specify the cost of this new mission or any potential assistance that might result from it.

Bill faces committee approval before final vote

The proposal must first pass through a committee before reaching the assembly. The original law, adopted unanimously in 2024, aimed to reduce plastic waste while allowing time for adaptation. Now, two years later, the challenges in implementation are testing this consensus. If passed, the new rules would take effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette, with the government given three months to update decrees and a year to present a public report to the assembly.