Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) recorded 106 violations against commercial establishments found breaching the nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags in the first quarter of 2026, as authorities intensified inspections to enforce the country’s phased transition away from single-use plastics.

The authority said environmental inspection teams conducted 1,485 inspection visits across various governorates during the first three months of the year, targeting commercial activities covered under the ban in an effort to strengthen compliance and raise awareness on sustainable alternatives.

An official at the authority told Muscat Daily that inspection campaigns are part of ongoing efforts to ensure adherence to environmental legislation and support Oman’s transition towards sustainable consumption practices.

“The phased implementation of the plastic bag ban is progressing according to plan, and the level of compliance among commercial establishments has improved significantly since the decision came into force,” the official said.

The official added that the authority continues to focus on balancing enforcement measures with public awareness campaigns to encourage businesses and consumers to adopt reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives.

The ban is part of Oman’s broader environmental sustainability strategy aimed at reducing plastic waste and limiting its harmful effects on wildlife, marine ecosystems and soil. Authorities have repeatedly warned that single-use plastic bags pose long-term environmental risks because of their slow decomposition and widespread pollution impact.

EA has strictly prohibited the use of single-use plastic shopping bags, warning that violators face fines ranging from RO50 to RO1,000, with penalties doubled for repeat offences.

Oman began implementing the single-use plastic bag ban in phases starting July 1, 2024, initially covering pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The restrictions were later expanded to include textile and clothing stores, furniture outlets, mobile phone shops, bakeries, food and vegetable stores, gift shops and several other retail sectors.

The latest phase, which took effect on July 1, 2026, covers shops selling blankets, khanjars, gold and silverware, car care centres and automobile agencies. The final phase, scheduled for January 1, 2027, will include electronics stores, vehicle workshops, printing presses and all remaining commercial activities using plastic shopping bags.

The phased rollout is part of a national plan to encourage the use of environmentally friendly and reusable alternatives while promoting a culture of sustainable consumption in society.

EA urged businesses and consumers to fully comply with the decision and support efforts to reduce plastic pollution, affirming that inspection and awareness campaigns will continue across the sultanate to improve compliance levels and achieve Oman’s environmental sustainability goals.