Dubai ban on single-use plastic bags begins; more products to be added in 2025-26

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently issued Executive Council Resolution No (124) of 2023 on single-use products.

The move aims to encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products. It also seeks to regulate the use and recycling of single-use products and plastic products.

The resolution applies to single-use disposable products and recycled ones, including both plastics and non-plastic items, regardless of their material composition.

Read: Dubai approves major plans to boost economy, extends policy banning single-use plastics

Here’s what it includes

These include plastic and non-plastic single-use products, as well as food delivery packaging materials, fruit and vegetable wrapping, thick plastic bags, plastic containers, and packaging materials either partially or entirely made of plastic, such as those used for plastic bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons, and balloon sticks besides food packaging.

These regulations extend to sellers and consumers in Dubai, covering private development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre.

A phased approach to ban on single-use plastic items

The resolution imposes a ban on the import and trading of single-use products in a phased approach. The ban applies to plastic bags commencing from January 1. Non-plastic single-use products, including single-use bags, will come under the ambit of the ban from June 1.

From January 1 next year, 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.

Beginning 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.

Limited exceptions

The ban does not apply to the following products: single-use plastic bags that include thin-film rolls for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread, along with garbage bags.

Exemptions also extend to products intended for export or re-export outside the country. These items include single-use plastic shopping bags, single-use shopping bags, and single-use disposable plastic products.

The resolution prohibits the trading of these products in local markets and requires the mention of the purpose for export or re-export outside the country.

The resolution also mandates sellers to actively participate in projects, initiatives, and programmes targeting the reduction of plastic materials and single-use products.

Sellers have to offer specified reusable alternatives at reasonable prices, as outlined by the relevant authorities.

Penalties

Violators will face a fine of Dhs200. If the same violation is repeated within one year from the date of the previous offence, the penalty will be doubled, with a maximum not exceeding Dhs2,000 when doubled.

This resolution annuls any other decision that may contradict its provisions.