Philippines Senate Considers Bill to Introduce Excise Tax on Single-Use Plastic Packaging Materials

The Philippine Senate Aug. 4 accepted for consideration Bill No. 811, to introduce an excise tax on specified single-use plastic packaging materials. The bill includes measures to: 1) levy an excise tax of 150 Philippine pesos (US$2.58) per kilogram on specified single-use plastic packaging materials, including sachets, plastic film packs and wrappers, and carry-out plastic bags; 2) impose the tax on importers and domestic manufacturers of single-use plastic packaging materials or products; 3) adjust the tax for inflation every three years; 4) exempt single-use plastic packaging materials used exclusively for purposes like medicine, and certified compostable or biodegradable plastic packaging; ...