EU single use plastics directive consultation: partial business and regulatory impact assessment

7.0 Consumer Assessment

41. In the light of new legislation, it is important to consider the impact on consumers of affected single-use plastic products. The Scottish Government definition of a consumer is "anyone who buys goods or digital content or uses goods or services either in the private or public sector, now or in the future".

42. Scottish Government specifies the following questions when determining the impact of proposed legislation on consumers:

Does the policy affect the quality, availability or price of any goods or services in a market?

A market restriction on the specified single-use plastic products would mean that affected single-use products would not be available to consumers.

The availability and price of suitable alternatives varies by item as outlined above and will be considered further in the final BRIA.

Does the policy affect the essential services market, such as energy or water?

No.

Does the policy involve storage or increased use of consumer data?

No.

Does the policy increase opportunities for unscrupulous suppliers to target consumers?

No.

Does the policy impact the information available to consumers on either goods or services, or their rights in relation to these?

No.

Does the policy affect routes for consumers to seek advice or raise complaints on consumer issues?

No.