Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Customs, has announced the enforcement of Ministerial Decision No. (519/2022), prohibiting the importation of plastic bags in Oman effective from September 1, 2024.
Environmental sustainability efforts
The announcement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. The ban targets a comprehensive list of products categorized under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes, including various types of sacks and bags, with a particular focus on those made from ethylene polymers.
What does the ban cover?
The prohibition covers both biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics. For biodegradable plastics, the ban includes shopping bags, waste bags, food packaging bags, and medical use bags made from ethylene polymers. Non-biodegradable items covered by the ban include similar products, such as shopping bags, waste bags, food packaging bags, and medical use bags, also made from ethylene polymers.
Furthermore, the prohibition extends to other types of plastics. Biodegradable plastics, including shopping bags and waste bags, will be banned, as will non-degradable food packaging bags and medical use bags made from other types of plastics.
Read more: Oman will ban import of plastic bags as of this date
Promoting environmental conservation
This move by the Ministry is part of a broader effort to reduce plastic pollution and enhance environmental sustainability within Oman. Industrial and commercial establishments are strongly encouraged to adhere to this new regulation to avoid disruptions and contribute positively to environmental conservation.
Complementary efforts
Similarly, the Environment Authority (EA) has issued this year a decision, EA Decision 8/2024, to gradually phase out all forms of plastic shopping bags in Oman. Additionally, this decision is based on the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law, Royal Decree No. 106/2020 establishing the Environment Authority, and Ministerial Decision 2020/23 concerning the ban on single-use plastic shopping bags.
Comprehensive approach to reducing plastic pollution
Furthermore, these regulations represent a comprehensive approach to reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability in Oman, aligning with the recent announcement made by the EA in February, which highlighted the ongoing efforts to eliminate plastic waste and reinforce environmental protection measures.
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