Oman will impose a strict ban on the importation of plastic bags starting September 1, 2024, as part of an initiative to combat plastic pollution. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), in collaboration with Oman Customs, announced the ban in a circular on July 23.
The ban targets products under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes, including sacks and bags made from ethylene polymers. This category encompasses both biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics, such as shopping bags, waste bags, food packaging bags and medical use bags.
The ministry has urged all industrial and commercial establishments in Oman to comply with the new regulations and support environmental protection efforts.
Oman began the first phase of its ban on single-use plastic carry bags on July 1, prohibiting their use in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, and banning bags thinner than 50 microns. The second phase, starting January 1, 2025, will extend the ban to establishments like textile stores, apparel stores, tailor shops, optical shops, retail stores, mobile phone repair shops, watch shops, furniture stores and home appliance stores.
Omani officials aim to eventually outlaw all kinds of plastic shopping bags. Violators of the ban will face fines ranging from 50 to 1,000 Omani Rials.