The Emirates announces a ban on plastic bags in these emirates
The Emirates says it will ban plastic bags in these Regions, Ras al Khaimah officials say that starting on January 1, 2024, people will not be able to use plastic bags that are only meant to be used once.
On Wednesday, the Environment Protection and Development Authority (Epda) of the emirate provided specifics of the new law, which is in accordance with the blanket ban on single-use plastics that was announced earlier this year across all of the United Arab Emirates.
The date of the ban on plastic bags
According to Law No.4 of 2023, which was issued by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras al Khaimah, both the use and distribution of these plastics will be prohibited throughout the emirate beginning the following year.
"Single-use plastic bags are the bags provided to you by stores," according to Epda.These include, among others, those distributed at bakeries, grocery stores, apparel and electronics boutiques, and other retail establishments.
A total ban on single-use plastic bags
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning to implement a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic bags beginning in January 2024. This prohibition will restrict not only the importation of these materials but also their production and circulation within the country. After another year, on January 1, 2026, the ban on the use of plastic will extend to cover further products, such as cups, plates, silverware, containers, and boxes. These consist of chopsticks, stirrers, straws, spoons, and forks, among other utensils.
Five emirates announce a ban on plastic bags
Five additional emirates have previously indicated that they will either prohibit or control the usage of plastic. The use of plastic bags by shops in Dubai has been subject to a 25 fils fee ever since July 1, 2022. On the other hand, the use of single-use plastics was made illegal in Abu Dhabi on June 1, 2022. Beginning on October 1, 2022, residents of Sharjah were required to pay a tax of 25 fils for each disposable plastic bag, and a complete ban was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024. Plastic bag use will be prohibited beginning in the year 2023 in both Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.
