Muscat: The Environment Authority (EA) has set a schedule for the imposition of an administrative fine ranging from OMR 50 to OMR 1,000 on individuals found using plastic shopping bags. This measure comes as a result of Ministerial Resolution No. 8/2024, issued by Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, which prohibits the use of plastic shopping bags.
According to the resolution, the first article states that companies, institutions, and individuals are not allowed to use single-use plastic shopping bags that are less than 50 micrometres thick. Additionally, article two emphasizes that companies, institutions, and individuals are prohibited from using any type of plastic shopping bags, in accordance with the attached time plan. The time plan specifies the latest date by which individuals must cease using these bags.
It is crucial for all stakeholders to comply with this resolution in order to protect the environment and reduce the negative impact of plastic waste.
Article Three states that individuals who violate the provisions of this decision will be subject to an administrative fine ranging from OMR 50 to OMR 1,000, in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law. If the violation is repeated within one month of the initial fine, the fine will be doubled. It is important to note that this decision considers the application of Article Three as a repetition of a similar violation.
Article Four declares the cancellation of Ministerial Resolution No. 2020/23, as well as any conflicting or contradictory provisions.
The ban on plastic shopping bags will be enforced in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics starting from July 1, 2024.
From January 1, 2025, the ban will extend to fabric, textile, clothing, and other stores, as well as tailoring stores, eyeglasses stores, mobile phone sales and maintenance stores, and watches selling and maintenance stores. It will also include furniture, furnishings, and household supplies stores.
Starting July 1, 2025, plastic shopping bags will be prohibited in food stores, fruit and vegetable stores, packaging stores, gift shops, bakeries, bread and pastry shops, and candy factories and shops.
From January 1, 2026, the ban will be implemented in building and construction materials stores, utensils stores, stores selling fodder, grains, agricultural materials, and pesticides. It will also include stores selling ice cream, corn, sweets, nuts, juices, Mashakeek, mills, honey, dates, and water filters. Additionally, stores selling and maintaining water pumps, car pumps, modern irrigation systems, as well as stores selling birds, fish, pets, related foods, sheds, and agricultural supplies will be included.
Starting from July 1, 2026, the ban on plastic shopping bags will take effect in various establishments such as furniture stores, blanket stores, dagger, gold and silverware stores, car care centers, and car dealerships.
However, it will not be until January 1, 2027, that this decision will be implemented in stores selling electronics, sanitary and electrical materials, fish supplies, vehicle repair workshops, and fishing boat repair workshops. Additionally, it will also apply to shops selling vehicle spare parts, fishing equipment spare parts, vehicle electricians, and vehicle oil change shops.
Furthermore, vehicle brake repair shops, tyre sales and repair shops, electrical appliances and television broadcasting equipment sales and repair shops, computer equipment selling, repair and maintenance shops, as well as stationery, office supplies, and printing press shops will be included. Finally, on July 1, 2027, the ban on plastic shopping bags will extend to all other activities that currently utilize all-plastic bags.
