UAE Plastic Ban 2026: Phase 2 Targets Single-Use Cutlery, Bags, Containers From January

The second phase of UAE's plastic ban is set to begin on January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) announced on Tuesday, December 16.

This phase prohibits the import, manufacture and trade of an expanded range of single-use consumer plastic products and bags.

The ministry has clarified that the ban, effective January 1 of next year, covers a defined range of single-use items including beverage cups and lids; cutlery, such as spoons, forks, knives, and chopsticks; plates; straws; stirrers; and food containers and boxes made of Styrofoam.

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The ban also applies to single-use bags, regardless of their constituent material, including paper, if their thickness is less than 50 microns. This will take effect on the same date.

There are certain exceptions to the ban, which apply to products manufactured for export, whereby the production of prohibited items is permitted on the condition that they are clearly labelled for export or re-export outside the UAE and are not circulated within the domestic market.

Bags and products made from recycled materials within the UAE are also exempt, in order to support and stimulate the local recycling industry. Additional exemptions apply to medicine bags, refuse bags, very thin plastic bags used to wrap fresh food items such as meat, vegetables, and bread, as well as large shopping bags intended for clothing, electronics, and toys.

The authority has urged all establishments, markets, and suppliers to comply fully with the provisions of the decision and to play an active role in advancing the state's environmental goals.

On January 1, 2024, the ministry initiated the phased implementation of this decision by activating the first phase. Phase one mandated the prohibition of the import, manufacture, and trade of all types of single-use plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable plastic bags.

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