CMA CGM will not allow plastic waste to be loaded onto its ships as cargo from Friday 15 April.

The company said the move is part of its “renewed commitment towards more sustainable trade”.

In a notice to customers CMA CGM said it would not carry plastic waste on its ships as of 1 June 2022.

“This landmark decision in the shipping industry will help protect the oceans and biodiversity,” the company said.

“To enforce this commitment while maintaining sufficient anticipation buffer for our customers, we kindly inform you that no plastic waste will be loaded onboard CMA CGM Group’s vessels as from April 15th, 2022.”

The company said plastic waste is identified under HS code category 3915, and it has set up a ban on the code in its booking system.

“Please note that false declarations on the nature of the goods will lead to a blacklisting of the incriminated entity,” the company said.

CMA CGM is the third-largest container carrier in the world, with a capacity of 3.3 million TEU, or 12.9% of the world’s total capacity, according to data from Alphaliner.