Explanatory Memorandum

Carrier Bags Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

2014 CHAPTER 7

28 April 2014

Commentary on Sections

Section 7 – Records and enforcement

Section 7 amends paragraphs 7 and 8 of Schedule 6 to the 2008 Act.

Paragraph 7 gives the Department power, exercisable through regulations, to require sellers to keep and make available certain records and information in relation to the minimum charge. This amendment provides that such records and information may include details of the payments of the gross and net proceeds of the minimum charge to the Department.

Paragraph 8 gives the Department powers to enforce regulations made under Schedule 6 to the 2008 Act. In particular – where there is reason to believe that a seller has failed to comply – the Department may question a seller or require a seller to provide documents and information.

Section 7 provides for routine monitoring activity by the Department by removing the requirement of reasonable belief of failure to comply. It also provides the Department with additional enforcement powers, exercisable through regulations, to permit the inspection, retention and copying of documents.