Muscat: In a joint initiative, the Ministry and the Consumer Protection Authority have directed all commercial establishments operating in shopping centres and the broader retail sector to comply with a new bag provision policy. According to the circular, businesses must offer single-use bags free of charge as part of their basic service to consumers. These bags must meet approved specifications, adhere to environmental standards, and be of a suitable size to serve consumer needs.

While additional bag options may be offered for a reasonable and clearly disclosed fee, businesses must ensure that the free bag option is not removed or replaced. This provision ensures that the basic consumer right to packaging remains intact and accessible.

Furthermore, the directive stresses the importance of transparency in pricing. Establishments are required to clearly communicate their bag policies at the point of sale to prevent unjustified costs being passed on to consumers.

The ministry emphasised that this move is part of its wider responsibility to regulate commercial practices, safeguard consumer rights, and maintain service quality in Oman.