Phase Two of the Ban on Plastic Shopping Bags in Oman Starting January 1, 2025

The second phase of the ban on plastic shopping bags in Oman will come into effect on January 1, 2025. During this phase, stricter measures will be applied to single-use plastic bags, especially thin bags that have a significant adverse impact on the environment.

Focus on Reducing Single-Use Plastics

The Environment Authority (EA) has announced that the main objective of this phase is to strengthen the commitment of individuals and institutions to reduce dependence on single-use plastic items. The ban seeks to mitigate soil and water pollution, protect wildlife and marine life, and minimize plastic waste in the natural environment.

Encouraging Sustainable Alternatives

The EA also urges all commercial sectors — including supermarkets, small stores, and open markets — to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, the most important of which are:

• Reusable cloth bags
• Paper bags

These alternatives represent a key step toward reducing plastic pollution and preserving Oman’s ecosystems.

Implementation Timeline for Phasing Out Plastic Bags

1. From July 1, 2024
   • Pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics
2. From January 1, 2025
   • Fabric, textile, clothing and tailoring stores, eyeglasses stores, mobile phone sales and maintenance, watch sales and repair, furniture, furnishings, and household supplies
3. From July 1, 2025
   • Food stores, fruit, vegetable, and packaging stores, gift shops, bakeries, pastry shops, candy factories, and candy shops
4. From January 1, 2026
   • Building and construction materials stores, agricultural materials stores, fodder and grains stores, pesticide sellers, ice cream and corn shops, sweet and nut shops, juice shops, Mashakeek vendors, mills, honey stores, date stores, stores selling and repairing water filters and water pumps, car pumps, modern irrigation systems, pet stores (birds, fish, related foods, etc.)
5. From July 1, 2026
   • Furniture stores, blanket stores, dagger, gold and silverware stores, car care centers, and car dealerships
6. From January 1, 2027
   • Electronics stores, sanitary and electrical materials stores, fishing supplies, vehicle repair workshops, fishing boat repair workshops, vehicle spare parts, fishing equipment spare parts, vehicle electricians, oil change shops, brake repair shops, tire sales and repair shops, electrical appliance and TV repair shops, computer sales and maintenance shops, stationery and printing presses
7. From July 1, 2027
   • All other activities that use any type of plastic bags

Inspections and Fines

To ensure full compliance with the ban, the EA will:

• Conduct periodic inspections in commercial sectors
• Impose fines on violators

Fine for Violating the Ban

According to the new decision, an administrative fine of not less than OMR 50 and not more than OMR 1,000 will be imposed on any individual or entity that continues using prohibited plastic bags. In the event of a repeated violation within one month from the date the fine was imposed, the fine will be doubled.

Role of the Community

The Environment Authority commends citizens for their positive role in supporting this initiative and encourages them to adopt responsible environmental practices, including using reusable bags to help reduce the environmental impact of plastics. The EA also calls on all commercial sectors to fully comply with this decision, emphasizing that cooperation among stakeholders is the key to making this initiative a success.