3rd phase of plastic ban starts tomorrow

It is time to think of alternate materials as the third phase of the ban on plastic shopping bags comes into force on Tuesday. If the regulations are violated, with fines ranging from RO 50 to 1,000, this could be doubled if the violations are repeated.

But will shoppers use reusable bags? Could it be a lifestyle change in consumer habits?

The Environment Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection, and Muscat Municipality, has been implementing a series of awareness campaigns in line with the imminent start of the implementation of the third phase of the timetable set by Resolution No (8/2024). These campaigns aim to raise awareness among the public and the merchants about the new measures.

The campaigns also included the distribution of environmentally-friendly bags as a practical alternative as part of the final preparations for implementing the resolution in line with its implementation phases.

The public has been responding with keen interest in social media.

Yousef al Badi expressed, “Hand in hand towards a clean, plastic-free environment.” Sulaiman bin Salim was quick to respond with this thought: “We hope to add a ban on the plastic tablecloths used for serving food and banquets and replace them with environmentally friendly paper.”

Fahd al Nasri reflected, “This is how the desired goals are achieved through solidarity and cooperation between all government sectors, especially the sectors responsible for the municipal sector and also consumer protection, to achieve the same goal.”

Said al Abdali noted that environmental awareness is a crucial factor in consolidating environmental concepts and driving positive change.

Awareness and the cooperation of the concerned parties reflect the seriousness of implementation and advanced awareness of the dangers of plastic bags to the environment.

But rolls and rolls of one-time-use plastic sheets are used at homes and restaurants during meal times, as it is convenient to dispose of.

Phase One was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting single-use plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometres. Phase 1 was aimed at pharmacies, hospitals and clinics.

The second phase began on January 1, 2025, and it included textile shops, tailoring shops, mobile shops, watch shops, retailers, etc.

The third phase moves closer to the Oman Vision 2040 sustainable goals.