UAE to ban wider range of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026

The UAE will expand its ban on single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026, as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) begins the second phase of Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022.

The move strengthens the country’s environmental legislation and targets a broader range of consumer plastic items.

The Ministry said the new phase prohibits the import, manufacture and trade of additional single-use plastic products and bags, as part of a national framework aimed at safeguarding the UAE’s natural ecosystem and reducing the environmental impact of waste in line with the country’s sustainability priorities.

UAE plastic ban

From January 1, 2026, the ban will apply to:

• Beverage cups and lids
• Cutlery including spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks
• Plates
• Straws
• Stirrers
• Food containers and boxes made of Styrofoam

The decision also establishes a comprehensive ban on single-use bags of all materials, including paper, if their thickness is less than 50 microns.

This measure will take effect on the same date.

Eng. Alya Abdelrahim Alharmoodi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), said the implementation of the decision represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s sustainability journey.

Al Harmoudi said: “Regulating the use of single-use products is not only intended to reduce waste but it is part of a comprehensive vision to advance the principles of the circular economy, in which resources are transformed into sustainable assets rather than environmental burdens.

“In the UAE, we adopt a balanced approach that prioritises the protection of marine and terrestrial environments from pollution risks, while simultaneously fostering business sustainability and growth.

“We have confidence in the robust environmental awareness of the Emirati community and in the constructive cooperation demonstrated by the private sector, manufacturers and retailers in adopting sustainable practices and embracing environment friendly alternatives.

“Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and every step taken to reduce the consumption of these products is an investment in the well-being of our society and the preservation of our natural landscapes.”

Environmental protection

MOCCAE said the decision includes specific exemptions to ensure the smooth flow of trade and to support the industrial sector.

Products manufactured for export are permitted, provided they are clearly labelled for export or re-export outside the UAE and are not circulated within the domestic market.

Bags and products made from recycled materials within the UAE are also exempt, in order to support and stimulate the local recycling industry.

Additional exemptions apply to medicine bags, refuse bags, very thin plastic bags used to wrap fresh food items such as meat, vegetables and bread, as well as large shopping bags intended for clothing, electronics and toys.

Plastics use

The Ministry urged all establishments, markets and suppliers to fully comply with the provisions of the decision and to actively support the UAE’s environmental objectives.

MOCCAE noted that the expanded ban follows the phased implementation of the policy, with the first phase activated on January 1, 2024. That phase prohibited the import, manufacture and trade of all types of single-use plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable plastic bags, forming a key pillar of the UAE’s efforts to curb excessive plastic consumption and accelerate the transition to sustainable and reusable alternatives.