Arabian Business, Sunday, Oct 23, 2022 | Rabi Al-Awwal 27 1444
Oman to ban import of plastic bags from 2023
Oman :
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment
promotion has issued a ministerial decision that bans imports of plastic bags
with effect from January 2023. The decision comes in line with the ministry’s
plan to regulate market activities pertaining to the import of products that
damage the environment, according to Sami Salim Al Sahib, Director General of
the Industry, as reported by Oman News Agency (ONA).
The decision, issued in coordination with the Environment Authority, will
support Omani factories by limiting unfair competition from imported products
that do not meet environment standards, he explained.
“Eliminating plastic bags is one of the challenges that the ministry seeks to
overcome in cooperation with the concerned authorities and find specifications
for manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the correct transition to alternatives
to plastic bags that harm the environment,” said Sahib, as reported by local
news.
An administrative fine of OMR1,000 will be imposed on anyone importing plastic
bags, the fine will be doubled if the violation is repeated.
In cooperation with the Environment Authority, the ministry seeks to shift to
environment-friendly industries, however, it was noted that the decision will
not affect local plastic production facilities. The decision intends to help
local plastic production factories to augment sales and production to meet local
market demands.
To ensure a proper shift to plastic alternatives, as well as, raise social
awareness about the negative impacts of plastic, the ministry will be working in
cooperation with concerned departments to develop specifications and
instructions. The decision is set to come into effect by January 1, 2023.