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

Muscat – Oman’s Environment Authority will begin implementing the fifth phase of its ban on plastic shopping bags on 1 July 2026, as part of a gradual national plan to reduce plastic pollution, encourage sustainable consumption, and protect the country's natural resources and biodiversity.

The new phase, introduced under Decision No. 8/2024, will prohibit the use of plastic shopping bags in furniture stores, dagger shops, gold and silver outlets, car care centers, and vehicle dealerships.

According to Engineer Abeer bint Omar Al Qasimi, a chemistry specialist at the Environment Authority, the measure builds on earlier phases aimed at reducing reliance on single-use plastic bags and promoting environmentally friendly alternatives.

She noted that the fourth phase, implemented during the second half of 2025, recorded encouraging results. The Authority conducted more than 3,000 inspection visits across Oman’s governorates and organized over 200 awareness campaigns. During the first quarter of 2026 alone, 1,485 inspection visits were carried out, resulting in 106 environmental violations being recorded.

The Authority said 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.

The fifth phase seeks to further expand the ban, encourage the adoption of sustainable alternatives, strengthen a culture of reuse, and reduce plastic waste generation in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the principles of the circular economy.

Approved alternatives to plastic shopping bags include paper, cloth, cardboard, cotton, and non-woven fabric bags.

The Environment Authority will continue awareness and monitoring programs in cooperation with relevant stakeholders as it prepares for subsequent phases of the nationwide initiative. It has urged businesses and consumers alike to comply with the regulations and support efforts to safeguard the environment for future generations.