Other BriefingsDubai Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags Began on January 1
Dubai has introduced a ban on single-use plastic bags, starting January 1, 2024.
By Qian Zhou
First announced ahead of the COP 28 hosted by the United Arab Emirates between November 30 and December 13, 2023, the single-use plastic bag ban is part of the Executive Council Resolution No. (124) of 2023, which was issued by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote sustainable recycling practices.
The ultimate goal of this ban is to protect the environment, encourage people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, and promote the culture of using reusable products to advance sustainable development.
What is the current ban on single-use plastic bags?
The current ban applies to single-use disposable plastic bags and recycled ones. These regulations extend to sellers and consumers within the Emirate of Dubai, covering private development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre.
As per the Resolution, the ban does not apply to the following products:
- Category I: Single-use plastic bags, which include thin film rolls for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread, along with garbage bags; and
- Category II: Products intended for export or re-export outside the country.
Products falling into the Category II is prohibited from trading in local markets and can only be exported or re-exported outside the country.
Phased ban on other single-use products
The Resolution imposes a ban on the import and trading of single-use plastic products in a phased approach. In addition to single-use plastic bags:
- The ban will apply to non-plastic single-use products, including single-use bags, from June 1, 2024.
- Starting from January 1, 2025, single-use plastic products, including items such as plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs, will be prohibited.
- From January 1, 2026, the ban will extend to other single-use plastic products, including plastic plates, plastic food containers, plastic tableware, and beverage cups and their plastic lids.
Non-compliance and penalties
Those found non-compliant shall face a fine of AED 200 (approx. US$55). If the same violation is repeated within one year from the date of the previous offense, the penalty will be doubled, with a maximum not exceeding AED 2,000 (approx. US$550) when doubled.
Expected impact on the businesses
As mentioned in the official announcement, the move aims to “encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products, aligning with circular economy practices that foster sustainable recycling of products in local markets.”
In addition to following the ban on single use plastic bags, the Resolution also mandates sellers to actively participate in projects, initiatives, and programs targeting the reduction of plastic materials and single-use products. Sellers must offer specified reusable alternatives at reasonable prices, as outlined by the relevant authorities.
Given this government directive, companies catering to the UAE market are advised to review their business processes and supply chains and make proactive adjustments to comply.
Green policies extend beyond Dubai
Before Dubai’s single-use plastic bags ban, it introduced a retailer charge in July 2022.
However, Dubai is not the only UAE emirate with a green focus. For example, in June 2022, Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastics. Sharjah imposed a similar tariff in October 2022 and planned a complete ban of single-use plastics from 2024.
Businesses engaging in green industries have chance to ride on this trend and capitalize on opportunities in the eco-friendly products market and sustainable manufacturing.
