The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has announced the activation of the second phase of implementing Ministerial Resolution No. (380) for 2022, which bans the import, production, or distribution of a new group of 'single-use consumer plastic products and bags', effective from January 1, 2026. This measure is part of the framework of environmental legislation aimed at protecting the country's natural ecosystems and reducing the environmental impact of waste, in line with the UAE's vision to enhance sustainability and quality of life. The ministry clarified that the ban, which will come into effect at the beginning of 2026, includes a specific list of single-use items: beverage cups and their lids, tableware (spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks), plates, straws, stirring sticks, and food containers and boxes made from polystyrene foam. The resolution also includes a comprehensive ban on 'single-use bags', regardless of the material they are made from, including paper, provided their thickness is less than 50 microns, starting from the same date. In this context, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Engineer Aliya Abdurrahim Al-Harmoudi, confirmed that implementing this resolution marks a pivotal milestone in the country's journey towards building a more sustainable future. She stated: 'Regulating single-use products aims not only to reduce waste but is part of a comprehensive vision to embed the principles of the circular economy, where resources are transformed into sustainable assets rather than an environmental burden.' She added: 'In the UAE, we adopt a balanced approach that safeguards the marine and terrestrial environment from pollution, while at the same time supporting business sustainability and growth.' Al-Harmoudi emphasized the importance of public awareness, saying: 'Today, we rely on the high level of awareness among the UAE community and the fruitful cooperation from the private sector, manufacturers, and retail outlets in complying and adopting sustainable alternatives. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and every step we take to reduce the consumption of these products is an investment in the health of our community and the beauty of our nature.' To ensure the smooth flow of commerce and support the industrial sector, the ministry noted specific exemptions to this ban, including products intended for export, which are permitted to be produced if they are designated for export or re-export outside the country, provided a clear 'label' indicating this is affixed, with their sale in the domestic market prohibited. Exemptions also include bags and products made from recycled materials within the country, to encourage the local recycling industry. Other exemptions include: medicine bags, garbage bags, very thin plastic bags used for preserving fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, and bread, as well as large shopping bags designed for clothing, electronics, and toys. The ministry called on all establishments, markets, and suppliers to fully comply with the resolution's provisions and actively contribute to achieving the country's environmental goals. Success of the First PhaseThe Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in cooperation and coordination with its strategic partners from the country's authorities and relevant bodies, began the phased implementation of the resolution by activating the first phase, starting from January 1, 2024, which banned the import, production, or distribution of 'single-use plastic shopping bags' of all kinds, including biodegradable plastic bags.
