The United Arab Emirates will ban the import, production, and sale of a wider range of single-use plastic products starting January 1, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the second phase of Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022 will extend this ban to more consumer goods and plastic bags. Banned products include beverage cups and lids, cutlery such as spoons, forks, knives, and chopsticks, plates, straws, stir sticks, and food containers and packaging made of polystyrene.
The production and use of plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometers will be completely prohibited, regardless of their material.
The ministry stated that this regulation includes some exceptions: products manufactured specifically for export can continue to be produced as long as they are clearly labeled for export or re-export and are not circulated in the domestic market; plastic bags made from recycled materials within the UAE are also exempt from the ban, which helps support local recycling efforts.
Other exceptions include medicine packaging bags, garbage bags, very thin plastic bags used to wrap fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, and bread, and large shopping bags used to transport clothing, electronics, and toys.
The department urges all types of businesses, markets, and suppliers to strictly comply with the requirements of this regulation. The first phase of the policy was implemented on January 1, 2024, at which time the import, production, and sale of all types of single-use plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable plastic bags, were prohibited.
