Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has intensified its awareness campaigns targeting commercial establishments across the sultanate as preparations gather pace for the next phase of Oman’s phased ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, which will come into force on July 1, 2026.

The ban will cover commercial activities including furniture stores, blanket shops, gold and silverware outlets, car care centres and vehicle dealerships. Businesses found violating the regulation face administrative fines ranging from RO50 to RO1,000, with penalties doubled for repeat offences.

As part of the campaign, EA teams have been conducting field visits to businesses covered under the upcoming phase of the ban, explaining the requirements of the regulation and encouraging establishments to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives. The authority has also distributed reusable and eco-friendly shopping bags to promote sustainable practices among businesses and consumers alike. The initiative forms part of Oman’s broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution, protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and encourage responsible consumption in line with the environmental sustainability goals of Oman Vision 2040. 

According to the authority, reducing reliance on single-use plastics is essential to limiting the harmful impact of plastic waste on biodiversity and natural habitats.

The ban is being implemented under Decision No 8/2024, which outlines a gradual approach to eliminating plastic shopping bags across all sectors by 2027. The phased rollout was designed to give businesses sufficient time to adapt and transition to sustainable alternatives.

The first phase, introduced in July 2024, covered pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, while the second phase, implemented in January 2025, expanded the ban to include textile and clothing stores, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone outlets and furniture retailers. 

The third phase, which began in July 2025, extended restrictions to grocery stores, fruit and vegetable shops, bakeries, confectionery outlets and gift shops.

EA has urged both businesses and consumers to support the transition by embracing reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives, stressing that collective action is key to reducing plastic waste and safeguarding Oman’s environment for future generations.