Ban on import of plastic bags comes into force

Muscat: The ban on the import of plastic bags issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) came into effect on Sunday, January 1, 2023.

This decision 519/ 2022, which was issued in September, that companies, institutions, and individuals will be prohibited from importing plastic bags, while Article 2 states that RO1,000 will be fined in case of violations. The fine will be doubled if the violation is repeated.

The Environment Authority (EA) of Oman implemented the ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, which came into effect on January 2021.

The ban was part of the plan set by the authority to preserve the Omani environment from pollution and waste harmful to the rich environment and wildlife.

EA had imposed an administrative fine of not less than RO100 ($259) and no more than RO2,000 is set on whoever violates the provisions of this decision, and it will be doubled if the violation is repeated.

While single-use bags have been almost phased out in the country, most retailers, including supermarkets, currently provide recyclable bags, including plastic, on demand.