Oman Expands Plastic Bag Ban to Retail and Food Sectors
Oman is taking another big step toward a greener future. Starting July 1, 2025, the country will roll out the third phase of its nationwide single-use plastic bag ban, expanding it to retail and food sectors as part of its broader plan to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
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The Environment Authority confirmed that this new phase will include fruit and vegetable shops, grocery stores, packaging units, candy factories, bakeries, sweet shops, gift stores, and outlets selling bread, pastries, and confectionery. Businesses in these categories must now switch to eco-friendly alternatives like reusable cloth or paper bags.
This move is part of Oman’s Vision 2040, a national plan that aims to encourage sustainable consumption and conserve natural resources for future generations.
Oman’s plastic bag ban first kicked off on July 1, 2024, targeting pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. The second phase followed in January 2025, affecting textile stores, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors, furniture stores, and household goods outlets.
Now, with the third phase underway, Oman continues its phased approach under Ministerial Decision No. 8/2024, aiming to completely eliminate single-use plastic bags by 2027.
“The cooperation of businesses and consumers is key for the success of this initiative,” said the Environment Authority. They’re urging everyone to adjust to the new rules and adopt eco-conscious habits.
To ensure compliance, businesses that violate the ban could face fines ranging from 50 to 1,000 Omani riyals. Repeat violations within a month will result in doubled penalties.
This is a major step forward in Oman’s fight against plastic pollution, one reusable bag at a time.