Oman's retailers told to provide bags as per approved standards
Published: 06:07 AM,Jul 12,2025 | EDITED : 10:07 AM,Jul 12,2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has authorised shopping centers and retail stores to offer single-use bags free of charge as part of the basic service offered to consumers, provided they comply with approved specifications and technical regulations and are environment-friendly and of a suitable size that meets usage requirements.
Many commercial establishments provide additional bag options at reasonable and disclosed fees to consumers, while ensuring that the option of a free bag is neither removed nor replaced, as it constitutes part of the basic service, the statement said.
The bag provision policy must be communicated at points of sale to enhance transparency and prevent consumers from bearing unjustified costs, in line with best practices adopted in certain commercial activities.
MOCIP and the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) said that this directive comes within the framework of their mandate to regulate commercial activities and ensure that establishments adhere to standards that guarantee consumer protection and enhance the quality of services provided, in a manner that achieves a balance between the interests of the merchant and the rights of the consumer.
The decision is also based on the role of authorities in ensuring the provision of goods and services of appropriate quality, and is keen to promote the principle of consumer rights protection and ensure service provision by approved standards.
MOCIIP and the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) added that this directive falls within their jurisdiction to regulate commercial activities and ensure that establishments comply with standards that safeguard consumer rights and enhance the quality of services provided, thereby achieving a balance between the interests of traders and the rights of consumers.
From July 1, 2025, the Sultanate of Oman implemented the third phase of its nationwide single-use plastic bag ban, expanding it to the retail and food sectors.
The Environment Authority (EA) 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.
The plastic bag ban was first launched 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.
Many commercial establishments provide additional bag options at reasonable and disclosed fees to consumers, while ensuring that the option of a free bag is neither removed nor replaced, as it constitutes part of the basic service, the statement said.
The bag provision policy must be communicated at points of sale to enhance transparency and prevent consumers from bearing unjustified costs, in line with best practices adopted in certain commercial activities.
MOCIP and the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) said that this directive comes within the framework of their mandate to regulate commercial activities and ensure that establishments adhere to standards that guarantee consumer protection and enhance the quality of services provided, in a manner that achieves a balance between the interests of the merchant and the rights of the consumer.
The decision is also based on the role of authorities in ensuring the provision of goods and services of appropriate quality, and is keen to promote the principle of consumer rights protection and ensure service provision by approved standards.
MOCIIP and the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) added that this directive falls within their jurisdiction to regulate commercial activities and ensure that establishments comply with standards that safeguard consumer rights and enhance the quality of services provided, thereby achieving a balance between the interests of traders and the rights of consumers.
From July 1, 2025, the Sultanate of Oman implemented the third phase of its nationwide single-use plastic bag ban, expanding it to the retail and food sectors.
The Environment Authority (EA) 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.
The plastic bag ban was first launched 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.