Bag check: Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau visits a Causeway Bay shop to check the implementation of the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags.

The first day of the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags ran smoothly today, Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says. However, he warned manufacturers not to circumvent the levy by prepackaging products.

He visited a personal health and beauty store in Causeway Bay to inspect the levy's implementation.

"This is just the beginning of a new campaign whereby people will vote by their action in supporting this. We need to do more on education to reach out to different groups."

When asked whether the scheme will trigger a rise in prepackaged products, he said he has issued verbal advice to the manufacturers.

"If the prepackaging is intended to circumvent the levy, I think it will be counter-productive because consumers are now willing to contribute to this green movement by bringing their own bags. Do not upset or undermine the plan.

"So far, in talking to shopkeepers this morning, we do not notice any major upsurge. Some prepackaging has existed for a while, so I think with some gentle reminders, with increased consumer consciousness, I hope this will be the best effort in tackling any circumvention."