Tallinn’s city council passed a regulation banning the use of PVC plastic in outdoor advertising starting this year, aiming to protect the environment and public health. However, Ülle Madise, the Chancellor of Justice, has declared that the ban is unlawful, stating that it violates both the Product Compliance Act and EU law. This revelation came from a letter Madise sent on Tuesday, addressing the legal inconsistencies of the ban.

Madise expressed her understanding of the concern regarding the environmental impact of PVC and praised Tallinn’s efforts to promote environmental and health sustainability. Nevertheless, she emphasized that any restrictions must align with the Estonian constitution, laws, and EU regulations, adhering to established legislative procedures. She indicated that banning a material like PVC should follow legal technical requirements as outlined by EU directives and local legislation.

The issue of PVC advertising in Tallinn reflects a broader tension between local environmental initiatives and compliance with legal frameworks. While the intent to safeguard public health is valid, the implications of the ban not aligning with legal standards raise significant concerns about its implementation and potential future legislative changes in Estonia regarding environmental policies.