Muscat: The fifth phase of Decision No. 8/2024 forms part of the Environment Authority’s gradual implementation plan to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags across commercial activities in both the public and private sectors. The initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 by encouraging environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing plastic waste and protecting the country’s natural resources and biodiversity.

Engineer Abeer bint Omar Al Qasimi, Chemistry Specialist at the Chemicals and Waste Management Department of the Environment Authority, said the new phase will officially come into effect on July 1, 2026.

She explained that the latest expansion will prohibit the use of plastic shopping bags in furniture stores, dagger shops, gold and silver outlets, car care centres and car dealerships, building on the earlier phases of the programme aimed at reducing dependence on single-use plastic bags.

“The gradual implementation encourages both businesses and consumers to shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives, helping reduce the harmful impacts of plastic waste on terrestrial and marine ecosystems,” she said.

Al Qasimi noted that the decision has been introduced in successive phases to allow businesses and consumers sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements while transitioning to approved alternatives.

She revealed that the fourth phase, implemented during the second half of 2025, exceeded its expected targets. During that period, the Authority conducted more than 3,000 inspection visits across various governorates and organised over 200 awareness campaigns to educate businesses and the public.

Enforcement efforts have also continued this year. During the first quarter of 2026 alone, the Authority carried out 1,485 inspection visits, recording 106 environmental violations. These inspections and awareness programmes have contributed to higher compliance levels and increased public awareness about the environmental risks associated with plastic shopping bags.

According to Al Qasimi, the fifth phase seeks to further expand the implementation of the decision in line with the approved timetable while encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives, strengthening the culture of reuse and reducing the volume of plastic waste generated. These efforts also support the principles of the circular economy and the Sultanate’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.

She added that awareness campaigns and field inspections will continue in cooperation with relevant stakeholders as preparations move forward for the remaining phases of the decision.

The Authority has approved several environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic shopping bags, including paper, cloth, cardboard, cotton and non-woven fabric bags, all of which are intended to promote reuse and minimise waste generation.

Al Qasimi called on businesses and members of the public to continue supporting national environmental efforts by complying with the decision and adopting sustainable alternatives, helping preserve the country’s environmental gains for current and future generations.