Oman today_ The Environment Authority of Oman has announced that the fourth phase of its nationwide initiative to eliminate plastic shopping bags will come into effect on January 1, 2026. This measure, implemented under Decision No. (2024/8), aims primarily to reduce the environmental impact of plastics and promote sustainable consumption practices across various markets.
With this new phase, the plastic bag ban will expand to cover a wider range of commercial activities, including:
Date vendors
Suppliers of drinking water and water pump equipment
Automotive pump shops and repair centers
Retailers of modern irrigation systems
Nurseries and sellers of agricultural supplies and inputs
Pet shops and stores selling birds, fish, and their feed
Construction and building material suppliers
Providers of animal feed, grains, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals
Vendors of ice cream, corn, snacks, sweets, and nuts
Juice shops and traditional food stalls, such as mashakeek vendors
Mills and honey sellers
The Environment Authority stressed that this decision represents a practical step toward environmental protection and fostering responsible consumption. Businesses in the affected sectors are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly packaging and alternatives ahead of the enforcement date.