Moves to Enforce Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has emphasized the importance of manufacturers, importers, and traders complying with Resolution No. (7) of 2026, which prohibits the manufacture, import, or sale of single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 57 microns. The Ministry urged businesses to make use of the remaining time to complete all necessary preparations before the regulation takes effect on August 20 2026. These preparations include clearing non-compliant inventory, ceasing its production or import, and ensuring the availability of approved alternatives, thereby enabling the commercial sector to fully comply with the regulation and avoid administrative violations.

In this regard, Sheikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated that the Ministry is proceeding with the implementation of the regulation in accordance with the approved legal and regulatory framework, in coordination with the Supreme Council for Environment. This initiative supports Bahrain's national efforts to protect the environment, achieve sustainable development goals, and align with the principles and objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by reducing environmental pollution and promoting recycling opportunities. 

He explained that the regulation exempts household waste bags, hazardous healthcare waste, pre-packaged food packaging bags, and plastic bags manufactured for export. The use of plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 57 microns or more remains permitted, as their durability allows them to be reused. The regulation also encourages the use of environmentally friendly alternatives, such as cloth bags, paper bags, and fully biodegradable bags. 

The Assistant Undersecretary added that the Ministry has completed the first phase of raising awareness among the commercial sector regarding the regulation and is currently implementing the second phase, which focuses on increasing awareness among manufacturers, importers, traders, and consumers about the regulation's requirements and the importance of completing all necessary preparations before enforcement begins.

He praised the commercial sector for its cooperation in complying with the Ministry's regulatory decisions and expressed confidence that this cooperation will continue during the coming phase. This will help enhance the sector's readiness before the regulation takes effect, strengthen environmental security, promote proper and safe waste management, and support the sustainable use of the Kingdom of Bahrain's resources.