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.
Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/oman-to-ban-import-of-plastic-bags-from-2023