Muscat – The Consumer Protection Authority, in coordination with the Environment Authority, has launched a joint inspection campaign across shopping malls and retail outlets in Muscat governorate to monitor compliance with Decision No 8/2024 on the use of single-use plastic shopping bags.
Phase 4 of the single-use plastic shopping bags ban commences on January 1, 2026 covering shops selling building and construction material, utensils, fodder, grain, agricultural materials and pesticides, ice cream, corn, sweets, nuts, juice, mishkak, honey, dates, irrigation systems, pet foods, nurseries selling plants and agricultural supplies, water filters, water pumps and car pumps.
In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027.
Phase 3 of the national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags has been in effect since July 1, 2025.
The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024 targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The second phase from January 1, 2025 covered textiles and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors and repair services, watch shops, furniture retailers and household goods suppliers.
As part of the joint campaign in Muscat, five inspection teams have been deployed across wilayats of the governorate to conduct systematic field visits. These visits combine monitoring with awareness-building, educating suppliers and retailers on the requirements of the decision and encouraging them to provide sustainable alternatives to plastic shopping bags.
