Is It Legal to Charge Extra for Carry Bags at Retail Stores?

Yes, retail stores in India can legally charge extra for carry bags, but only if they follow environmental rules. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, prohibit the free distribution of plastic carry bags to discourage plastic waste. Courts have observed that the objective is to reduce plastic usage, not to allow profiteering.

Stores must clearly disclose the price of carry bags in advance.

Charging without informing customers or forcing them to buy a bag may amount to unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Cloth or paper bags may also be sold at a reasonable price.

Transparency is essential. Customers always have the right to refuse a carry bag and bring their own.