UAE to completely ban single-use plastic bags from 2024

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

As part of the UAE efforts to enhance the environmental sustainability nationwide, it issued the Ministerial Resolution No.380 of 2022 regarding regulation of the use of single-use products in the country’s markets.

The Resolution seeks to curb the consumption of plastic bags and regulate the production, circulation and use of single-use products.
It prohibits the import, production or circulation of single-use plastic shopping bags as of January 1, 2024 across the country.

This includes biodegradable plastic bags. Furthermore, it prohibits the import, production or circulation of single-use bags, regardless of the material used in their manufacturing as of January 1, 2024.

In accordance with the Resolution, import, production, or circulation of plastic products, such as soft drink cups and caps, cutlery (spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, plates, straws, stirrers, food containers and boxes made of Styrofoam) will be banned in the UAE as of January 1, 2026.

The Resolution called on all parties and consumers to work on and adopt mechanisms and practices that help reduce the production and consumption of single-use products such as packages and packaging material made partially or completely of plastic material, including those used in food packaging, plastic bottles, cotton sticks, crackers bags, cigarette butts, wet wipes, balloons and balloon sticks.

However, it excludes a number of products, including rolls of thin bags that meet the specifications set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in coordination with the concerned authorities.

It also excludes the products intended for export or re-export, provided that a clear label is placed indicating that the purpose of production is export or re-export, as trade in these products in the country’s markets is forbidden.

Other items are exempt from the ban such as single-use bags and products made from recycled material in the country, and any products and materials that are identified and excluded by the competent authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.