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Industry News

Effective August 15 in China! Non-biodegradable single-use plastic tableware is completely banned.

 

On August 15, 026, the *Ecological and Environmental Code of the People’s Republic of China* officially took effect. This is China’s second law to bear the title “Code,” following the Civil Code.

 
What is the most direct impact of this code on the restaurant and food delivery industries? In a nutshell: Non-biodegradable single-use plastic tableware can no longer be used.
 
I. Key Prohibitions: These Items Are Off-Limits

Article 998 of the Code clearly stipulates: The state prohibits and restricts, in accordance with the law, the production, sale, and use of single-use plastic products such as non-biodegradable plastic bags.
At the same time, the state encourages and guides the reduction in the use of single-use plastic products and their active recycling, while promoting the use of reusable, easily recyclable, biodegradable, and harmless alternative products.
 
What does this mean specifically for the day-to-day operations of restaurants?

· Dine-in: Non-biodegradable disposable tableware must not be provided, including “pseudo-eco-friendly” tableware that appears to be made of eco-friendly materials but actually contains polypropylene.
· Takeout packaging: The use of non-biodegradable plastic bags is prohibited.
· Disposable plastic straws: Their use is strictly prohibited.


The new Code elevates the regulation of disposable tableware to the level of fundamental national law, establishing a comprehensive regulatory system covering the entire chain from production to distribution and use, thereby completely moving away from the old model characterized by fragmented regulations and lax enforcement.
 
II. How Much Are the Fines? This Is What Restaurant Owners Care About Most

Article 1,225 of the Code sets forth clear penalty standards:

If you are a manufacturer or seller: For the illegal production or sale of non-biodegradable single-use plastic products, the market supervision department shall order you to cease operations, confiscate the products, and impose a fine of not less than one times and not more than three times the value of the goods; if there are illegal gains, such gains shall be confiscated; in serious cases, the license shall be revoked.

If you are a restaurant or food delivery business (user): For the illegal use of non-biodegradable single-use plastic products, the commerce, postal, and other relevant departments shall, in accordance with their respective responsibilities, order you to rectify the violation. Enterprises and public institutions shall be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 yuan, while other business operators (such as sole proprietors) shall be fined between 500 and 5,000 yuan.

The severity of these penalties is by no means merely a “token gesture.” Once caught, penalties range from fines of several thousand yuan in minor cases to tens of thousands of yuan or even revocation of the business license in severe cases.
III. Another New Requirement: Mandatory Record-Keeping and “Reporting”

Many restaurant owners focus only on “what cannot be used,” while overlooking another important obligation.

Article 998 of the Code further stipulates that operators of retail establishments, e-commerce platforms, express delivery companies, and food delivery services must report the use and recycling of single-use plastic products to departments such as commerce and postal administration in accordance with national regulations.

Specifically, business entities in the catering and food delivery sectors must establish comprehensive records covering the entire process of plastic tableware procurement, inventory, use, and recycling, ensuring a complete audit trail and long-term retention of records, and must report relevant data truthfully and on schedule.

Failure to maintain records, late reporting, or submission of false information will also result in penalties in accordance with the law.

Currently, Shanghai, Beijing, and other regions have already issued early compliance warnings, making it clear that “maintaining records is a legal obligation, and failure to report constitutes a violation.” After August 15, the absence of records will serve as concrete evidence of a violation.
 
IV. What Should Restaurant Owners Do Under the New Regulations?

In light of the new regulations, we recommend taking three immediate actions:

First, clear out existing inventory immediately. This is the most urgent task. Take a full inventory of all single-use plastic food containers, bowls, cups, straws, and bags. We recommend using up existing inventory as soon as possible; contact professional recycling agencies to dispose of any unused items, and under no circumstances should you hold onto them past August 15.

Second, establish a record-keeping system. Document the entire process—from procurement to use to recycling—retain records long-term, and submit reports on schedule.

Third, switch to compliant alternatives. With the new law now in effect, the only way forward is to switch to compliant products that are reusable, easily recyclable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
 
V. What Qualifies as “Compliant” Tableware?


The core criteria for alternative products encouraged by the Code are: recyclable, easily recyclable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.

Eco-friendly tableware made from sugarcane pulp is an ideal choice that fully meets these standards—it is made from renewable sugarcane bagasse, is naturally biodegradable, and contains no added harmful substances.

Shaoneng Oasis specializes in the production of eco-friendly tableware made from sugarcane pulp—using natural sugarcane bagasse as raw material and manufactured through molding and compression-drying processes. The entire production process is biodegradable, recyclable, and non-toxic, fully complying with the requirements of the new regulations. Currently, many restaurant brands have chosen our products to complete their green upgrades.
 
📌 Summary

Effective August 15, non-biodegradable disposable plastic tableware is completely banned.

Illegal use: Businesses face fines of up to 100,000 yuan; sole proprietors face fines of up to 5,000 yuan. Illegal production and sales: Fines ranging from 1 to 3 times the value of the goods; in severe cases, licenses will be revoked. Businesses must establish and report comprehensive records covering the entire process—from procurement and inventory to use and recycling.

The only solution: Switch to compliant, biodegradable alternatives.

Compliance can’t wait—the sooner you switch, the sooner you can rest easy.

If you’re looking for compliant alternatives, please contact us for samples and solutions.
 
 

 
Upcoming Event - The 140th Canton Fair
Join us at The 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China from OCT 23 to 27 at stand 3.2H33-34 & 16.3G05-06. We'll showcase our bagasse tableware in both classic and new styles. Welcome to visit!
Grab the Trend of Plastic Ban.
Leave us measage to let us help. We can provide and customize biodegradable containers for various food products.
Grab the Trend of Plastic Ban.