In 2025 the Western Australian Government have been progressing policy towards and expansion of the ban on non-compostable barrier bags, and introduction of a compostable bag design standard.
The Compostable Barrier Bag Design Standard came into effect in WA on 1 October 2025 for plastic bags used for loose fruit, vegetables, nuts and confectionary. Plastic bags which do not meet the requirements cannot be supplied in WA, even if you purchased them beforehand.
We understand that some businesses may face genuine unforeseen challenges in transitioning to compliant bags.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has engaged the National Retail Association to provide a Transition Support Program (TSP) which offers additional support and a pause on enforcement action until 31 March 2026 for businesses experiencing genuine challenges transitioning their produce or barrier bags.
The TSP aims to provide extra support for businesses facing short-term challenges in becoming compliant, while meeting the expectations of the WA public to reduce impact on the environment in a timely manner. By assisting businesses to move to more sustainable options, the TSP also aims to reduce unnecessary disposal of stock to landfill.
What items are covered in the TSP? 
- Produce or barrier bags supplied for loose fresh fruit and vegetables that are already certified compostable to an Australian Standard, BUT do not yet meet the additional requirements under the Design Standard (ie. fails to meet labelling, transparency, handles, or circumference). These bags must already be AU certified compostable as per the ban which came into effect 1 September 2024.
- Any plastic barrier bag exclusively supplied for loose nuts or confectionary which does not meet the new Design Standard (i.e. fails to meet Australian compostable certification, labelling, transparency, handles, or circumference). These may be standard plastic bags or compostable bags used exclusively for nuts or confectionary which are yet to receive their Australian certification.
What items are NOT covered in the TSP?
- Barrier bags supplied for unpackaged meat, seafood or dairy are not recognised under the TSP as these are not required to meet the Design Standard until 1 October 2026. We encourage businesses to act immediately to source and test alternatives. Attend an information session or call the NRA hotline to learn more.
- Any other item subject to an existing or upcoming WA ban is not covered by the TSP. If businesses are experiencing unavoidable and significant challenges with other banned items, consider applying for a formal exemption through the WA Government. Please visit the website for more information.
- Non-compliant barrier bags purchased for use after 31 March 2026.
Learn More
Need help?
The National Retail Policy team have been officially engaged by the WA Government to assist businesses until mid-2026 to understand and comply with the WA plastic bans.
- WEBSITE: Businesses can visit National Retail’s PlasticsBanWA website for detailed information, factsheet and tips.
- INFO SESSIONS: All businesses can receive comprehensive information on any part of the bans in our free online info sessions held monthly.
- SUPPLIER BRIEFINGS: Suppliers or distributors who supply barrier bags to many clients in WA can receive a free personal briefing session. Contact us >
This Business Support Program is being provided at no charge to businesses and you do not need to be an NRA member.