MUSCAT: With Oman imposing a ban on single-use plastic bags, the Environment Authority has issued a clarification on Friday.

In a statement issued EA said plastic bags used to dispose waste materials have been excluded from the first phase of implementation. Plastic bags used for planting agricultural seedlings, bags for vegetables and fruits available in commercial centers, bags for meat and fish available in commercial centers, laundries bags, and bread packaging bags are also excluded from the list. However, EA said “this exception is temporary and further details will be published on it.”

Meanwhile, EA said paper and carton bags, canvas bags, cotton bags and non-woven bags are available in local markets as an alternative to single-use plastic bags.

As part of protecting the environment, Oman imposed a nationwide ban on single-use plastics from January 1. Violators could be fined as much as OMR 2,000, and the penalties are doubled for repeat offenders.