In New Zealand, regulations for mandatory phase-out of single-use plastic shopping bags will take effect from July 1, 2019. <br />''<br />''<br />''Retailers will no longer be able to sell or give away single-use plastic shopping bags from July next year after the cabinet agreed to the proposed regulations for a mandatory nationwide phase-out of these bags.<br />''<br />''<br />''Associate Minister for the Environment Eugenie Sage has said that plastic shopping bags are a hazard for nature, particularly marine wildlife. They can also introduce harmful microplastics into the food chain.<br />''<br />''<br />''These regulations are an important first step to tackle New Zealand's wider waste problem, she said, adding that manufacturers, retailers and consumers all have a responsibility to reduce waste and prevent plastic pollution.<br />''<br />''<br />''New Zealand has recently become a signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, a global pledge to address the root causes of plastic pollution.<br />''<br />