The Queensland Government will pursue an education-first approach and are committed to working with businesses to achieve the best environmental outcomes, while minimising unnecessary impacts to business.

We understand that some businesses may experience short-term challenges in their transition, such as delays in deliveries or testing. To further assist businesses, the National Retail Association is providing a Transition Support Program which can provide a time-limited pause on enforcement for businesses which provide evidence they are experiencing genuine challenges outside their control, but have a clear plan and commitment to become compliant.

Applications can be submitted below or by contacting NRA.

SUPPLIER APPLICATIONS

RETAILER APPLICATIONS

NON-COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

About the Transition Support Program

Overview

The National Retail Association is providing a Transition Support Program (TSP) which offers additional support and can provide a time-limited pause on enforcement action for businesses experiencing genuine challenges, provided they demonstrate a clear plan and commitment to achieving compliance.

The goal of the TSP is to provide extra support for businesses facing short-term challenges in becoming compliant, while meeting the expectations of the Queensland public to reduce impact on the environment in a timely manner. By assisting businesses to exhaust stock and move to more sustainable options, the TSP also aims to reduce unnecessary disposal of stock to landfill.

The TSP is an initiative of the National Retail Association, supported by the Queensland Government.

STEP 1: Application

STEP 1: Application

Businesses experiencing unavoidable challenges in becoming compliant, such as delivery delays and excess stock, can apply for the TSP via an online application form applicable to their sector.

This application requires businesses to declare detailed information about stock holdings, planned alternatives, evidence of challenges faced, and to commit to a clear plan of action.

Forms are available via the buttons above or the following links:

Application for suppliers: https://forms.office.com/r/nXEsk1D45x

Application for retailers/manufacturers: https://forms.office.com/r/KERBf36EDL

Application for non-commercial organisations: https://forms.office.com/r/13T66kAxRQ

Businesses needing advice about the ban or requiring assistance in making their application, should contact the National Retail Association at sustainability@nationalretail.org.au or 1800 844 946.

STEP 2: Commitments

STEP 2: Commitments

Applications will be assessed by the NRA and an authorised representative of the business will be contacted to commit to the following minimum requirements.

SUPPLIER COMMITMENTS

Become compliant quickly: Cease all supply and dispatch of non-compliant items to QLD clients before 1 December 2023.
Ensure traceability: From 1 September 2023, only supply to QLD clients which provide their TSP number and you must supply your TSP number to them.
Minimise stock entering the market: Ensure clients which order non-compliant items between 1 Sept and 1 Dec 2023 confirm in writing (for each order) that they understand stock must be used up before 1 February 2024.
Responsible actions: Take all reasonable steps to clearly communicate with your clients, uphold the intent of the ban, and achieve compliance as soon as possible.
Reports: Provide regular progress reports to the National Retail Association.

RETAILER COMMITMENTS

Become compliant quickly: Cease all supply of non-compliant items to QLD clients before 1 February 2024.
Ensure traceability: If ordering after 1 September 2023, you must ensure your supplier provides their TSP number and you must provide your TSP number to them.
Minimise stock levels: You must limit orders and confirm to your supplier (in writing) that the stock will be used up before 1 February 2024. Please note TSP suppliers must cease supply and dispatch of non-compliant stock before 1 December 2023.
Responsible actions: Take all reasonable steps to clearly communicate with your team, uphold the intent of the ban, and achieve compliance as soon as possible.
Reports: Provide regular progress reports to the National Retail Association.

STEP 3: Regular reporting and spotchecks

STEP 3: Regular reporting and spotchecks

A business accepted into the TSP is provided a unique TSP number which must be provided with orders for tracking purposes. Members of the public can also verify the TSP number of the business with the NRA to confirm their involvement.

Should a business fail to uphold TSP commitments they may be removed from the TSP and subject to enforcement action at the discretion of the Queensland Government. Random spot checks will be performed by the NRA.

Answering customer queries

Answering customer queries

Q: Why are you still supplying non-compliant shopping bags?

A: Our business has faced some short-term challenges in becoming compliant and have been accepted into the NRA’s Transition Support Program, which provides us with a little more time to transition while meeting strict supply and reporting requirements.

We have declared all non-compliant stock and committed to a plan of action with regular reports to the NRA. If we uphold these commitments, suppliers must become compliant by 1 December 2023 and retailers must become compliant by 1 February 2024.

Our acceptance into the Transition Support Program can be verified with the NRA via our TSP Number. We appreciate your understanding during this time as we take the necessary steps to comply with the new regulations.

Q: Can any business continue to supply non-compliant items in Queensland?

A: No, a business must apply and be accepted into the TSP to be permitted to continue supply of non-compliant stock.

Q: How do I report non-compliance or check if a business is in the TSP?

From 1 September 2023, members of the public can report suspected non-compliance at www.qldplasticsban.com.au or by contacting the NRA.

The NRA can also confirm if a business has been accepted into the Transition Support Program via their business name or TSP number, however please note that confidential details about their case cannot be released.