Muscat – The ban on plastic shopping bags will be extended from July 1 as the Environment Authority (EA) rolls out the fifth phase of Decision No 8/2024, extending the restrictions to additional commercial sectors as part of the country’s drive to reduce plastic pollution.

Under the new phase, furniture stores, khanjar shops, gold and silver jewellery outlets, car care centres and vehicle dealerships will no longer be permitted to provide plastic shopping bags to customers.

The measure forms part of a phased plan to reduce dependence on single-use plastic bags, encourage environmentally friendly alternatives and support sustainable consumption in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Abeer bint Omar Al Qasimi, specialist in the Chemicals and Waste Management Department at EA, said the gradual approach has enabled businesses and consumers to adapt while promoting the use of reusable alternatives.

“This phase continues the implementation of the decision according to the approved timetable and aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste on terrestrial and marine ecosystems,” she said.

According to Abeer, compliance levels have exceeded expectations during previous phases. In the second half of 2025, the authority conducted more than 3,000 inspection visits across the sultanate and organised over 200 awareness campaigns.

During the first quarter of 2026, inspectors carried out 1,485 field visits and recorded 106 environmental violations.

She said the fifth phase seeks to expand the use of sustainable alternatives, strengthen a culture of reuse and reduce plastic waste generation in support of the circular economy.

The Environment Authority will continue awareness campaigns and field inspections in cooperation with relevant stakeholders as it prepares to implement the remaining phases of the decision.

Approved alternatives to plastic shopping bags include paper, cardboard, cloth, cotton and non-woven fabric bags.

Abeer called on businesses and consumers to comply with the decision and adopt sustainable alternatives to help protect natural resources, preserve biodiversity and improve environmental quality for future generations.