Oman to ban import of plastic bags from January 2023

The ministry is working with concerned departments to develop specifications, ensuring a proper transition to alternatives

by Zainab Mansoor

September 20, 2022

Oman will ban the import of plastic bags from January 2023.

The sultanate’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has issued a ministerial decision for the ban, Oman News Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Sami Salim Al Sahib, director general of industry at the ministry, said that the decision comes in line with the ministry’s plans to regulate market activities pertaining to the import of products that damage the environment. The directive was issued in coordination with the Environment Authority.

بهدف الانتقال إلى استخدام الأكياس الصديقة للبيئة، وتشجيع المصانع والصناعات الوطنية

أصدر معالي قيس بن محمد اليوسف قرارًا وزاريًا بحظر استيراد الأكياس البلاستيكية.#بيئة_معززة_وممكنة pic.twitter.com/bX6pYdZ4ER

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة وترويج الاستثمار – عُمان (@Tejarah_om) September 18, 2022

An administrative fine of OMR1,000 will be imposed on anyone importing plastic bags, Times of Oman reported.

وزارة التجارة والصناعة وترويج الاستثمار تُصدر قرارًا وزاريًّا بشأن حظر استيراد الأكياس البلاستيكية ويعمل به في الأول من شهر يناير من عام 2023م.#العُمانية pic.twitter.com/FFqaGAde8q

— وكالة الأنباء العمانية (@OmanNewsAgency) September 18, 2022

The ministry, through its cooperation with the Environment Authority, seeks to shift to environment-friendly industries, Al Sahib said, adding that the decision does not affect local plastic production factories. The ministry is working in concert with concerned departments to develop specifications and instructions related to industrialists and importers to ensure proper shifting to alternatives.

GCC countries have been introducing several policies to curb the usage of plastics. Abu Dhabi has banned single-use plastic bags, effective June 1, 2022, while it will also be phasing out single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers by 2024.

Read: Abu Dhabi to ban single-use plastic bags from June 1

Earlier this year, Dubai also approved a policy to impose a tariff of 25 fils on single-use bags for carrying goods starting July 1, 2022.

Read: Dubai to impose tariff on single-use plastic bags from July 1

Sharjah will ban single-use plastic bags and materials across the emirate from January 1, 2024, it was announced last month.

Read: Sharjah to ban single-use plastic bags from January 1, 2024