If you sell goods anywhere in the UK, you are legally required to charge customers for single-use carrier bags - but the rules, the price and even which bag materials count are different in each nation. In England and Scotland the minimum charge is 10p, in Northern Ireland it is 25p, and in Wales it is 5p. Crucially, England only charges for lightweight plastic bags, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland apply the charge to paper bags too. Here is what every retailer needs to know, and why a well-made reusable printed bag often beats both paper and plastic on cost and brand impact.
What is the single-use carrier bag charge?
The carrier bag charge is a government measure designed to cut the number of throwaway bags handed out at tills and on deliveries. It was introduced to reduce litter, protect wildlife and nudge shoppers towards reusing bags. Since the rules first landed in Wales back in 2011, single-use bag usage at the major supermarkets has fallen dramatically across the UK. For retailers, the charge is not optional: it is a legal requirement, and larger businesses must also keep records of the bags they supply.
At Fast Printed Bags we speak to shop owners, market traders and online sellers every week who are unsure exactly what they must charge and on which bags. The short answer is that it depends entirely on where in the UK you trade.
How much is the carrier bag charge in 2026?
The minimum charge differs across the four UK nations. The figures below are the legal minimums - you are free to charge more if you wish, and many retailers round up and donate the difference to good causes.
- England: a minimum of 10p per single-use plastic bag, charged by retailers of every size since 21 May 2021. Paper bags are not covered.
- Scotland: a minimum of 10p, and unlike England the charge applies to single-use bags of any material, including paper.
- Wales: a minimum of 5p, the original UK charge, applying to plastic, paper, recycled and degradable single-use bags.
- Northern Ireland: a minimum of 25p, the highest in the UK, applied to new single-use bags. Here the proceeds must be passed to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
You can confirm the current England rules on the official GOV.UK carrier bag charges guidance for retailers, which also explains record-keeping duties for larger sellers.
Which bags are caught by the charge?
In England the charge applies to new, unused lightweight plastic bags (less than 70 microns thick) that have handles and are supplied to carry goods. Bags made from thicker, genuinely reusable plastic are treated differently, and certain contents are exempt. You do not have to charge for a bag that only holds items such as unpackaged food, raw meat and fish, prescription medicines, uncovered blades, or live fish in water. The full list of exemptions sits within the same GOV.UK retailer guidance.
Paper vs plastic: which should retailers choose?
Once you factor in the charge, the decision is rarely as simple as "paper good, plastic bad". Each material has trade-offs around cost, durability, branding and recyclability.
Paper carrier bags feel premium, take print beautifully and are widely recycled through kerbside collections. In England they currently sit outside the plastic bag charge, which can make them attractive at the till. The downsides are that they are less water-resistant and can struggle with heavy or sharp products unless you choose a sturdy weight with reinforced handles.
Plastic carrier bags are strong, water-resistant and cheap per unit, but they carry the charge in every UK nation and face growing customer scepticism on environmental grounds. Thicker "bag for life" style plastic bags can be reused many times, which changes the maths considerably.
Reusable printed bags - such as cotton, jute or non-woven tote bags - are where many brands land. A customer keeps them, reuses them and carries your branding around town for months. If you want to weigh up materials and finishes for your own range, our guide to designing custom printed packaging walks through the choices in more detail.
Turning the charge into a branding opportunity
Here is the part many retailers miss. Because customers now expect to pay for a bag, that bag has become something they value and keep rather than bin. A plain carrier is a wasted canvas. A custom printed bag turns every purchase into mobile advertising, builds recognition and signals that you care about quality.
This is especially powerful at shows and pop-ups, where a striking bag travels far beyond your stand. We covered this in depth in our look at branded bags for promotional events and exhibitions. The same logic applies on the high street and online: if a shopper is paying for the bag anyway, give them one worth carrying again.
Ordering in bulk also brings the per-bag cost down, so you can absorb or comfortably cover the statutory charge while still handing over a bag that looks far better than a thin plastic one. Browse the full range at Fast Printed Bags to compare paper, plastic and reusable options side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to charge for paper bags in England?
No. In England the single-use carrier bag charge applies only to lightweight plastic bags. Paper bags are not covered. However, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the charge does apply to paper single-use bags, so check the rules for the nation you trade in.
How much is the carrier bag charge in the UK?
The legal minimum is 10p in England and Scotland, 5p in Wales and 25p in Northern Ireland. Retailers can choose to charge more than the minimum if they wish.
Does the charge apply to online and delivery orders?
Yes. In several nations, including Wales, the charge applies to bags supplied for goods that are delivered, such as internet or mail order sales, not just bags handed over in store. Always check your nation's specific guidance.
Are reusable bags exempt from the charge?
Genuinely reusable bags, such as thicker plastic bags for life, cotton totes and jute bags, are treated differently from single-use plastic carriers. They are designed to be used many times, which is why a durable printed reusable bag is often the smarter long-term choice for both cost and brand image.
Can I make a profit from the bag charge?
The charge is not a profit-making tool. Retailers in England, Scotland and Wales are free to use the proceeds as they wish but are strongly encouraged to donate them to good causes, while in Northern Ireland the proceeds must go to the relevant government department. Keeping records is a legal duty for larger retailers.
Ready to upgrade your carrier bags?
Whether you trade in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the bag charge is here to stay - so make the bag work for your brand. From fully custom printed paper bags to durable reusable totes, the team at Fast Printed Bags can help you choose the right material, size and print for your business. Get in touch for a quote and turn a statutory charge into a marketing win.