Oman to launch fifth phase of plastic shopping bag ban from July 1

Oman is set to implement the fifth phase of its nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags beginning July 1, 2026. This initiative, spearheaded by the Environment Authority, is part of a gradual strategy to curb plastic pollution, foster sustainable consumer habits, and safeguard the nation's biodiversity and natural resources.

The latest phase, introduced under Decision No. 8/2024, will extend the prohibition to include plastic shopping bags used in furniture stores, dagger shops, gold and silver outlets, car care centers, and vehicle dealerships. This expansion aims to further reduce the reliance on single-use plastics across various commercial sectors.

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The measure builds on earlier phases aimed at reducing reliance on single-use plastic bags and promoting environmentally friendly alternatives.

Engineer Abeer bint Omar Al Qasimi from the Environment Authority highlighted that previous phases have yielded positive outcomes. The fourth phase, implemented in the latter half of 2025, involved over 3,000 inspection visits and more than 200 awareness campaigns. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 1,485 inspections resulted in 106 environmental violations being documented, indicating increased enforcement and compliance efforts.

The Authority emphasizes that these measures have significantly boosted business compliance and public awareness regarding the environmental hazards of plastic waste, particularly its impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The current phase seeks to encourage the adoption of sustainable alternatives like paper, cloth, and non-woven fabric bags, reinforcing a culture of reuse and waste reduction in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and circular economy principles.

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These efforts have significantly improved compliance among businesses and increased public awareness of the environmental risks posed by plastic waste, particularly to terrestrial and marine ecosystems.