LUSAKA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's environmental regulator said Friday that it has delayed the implementation of a ban on disposable plastic bags to allow retailers to cope with their stocks.

Last year, Zambia introduced a ban on the use of plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags that are less than 30 microns in thickness, which was due to come into effect on Feb. 14.

But Simon Mwansa, acting director of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), said the decision delaying the implementation was made after consultations with retailers who had stocks to be disposed of.

The listed chain stores have been granted an extension of two weeks for using non-compliant plastic carrier bags and one month for using flat bags, he said.

He said ZEMA was positive that the ban will help create a cleaner and healthier environment.