Muscat – As Oman advances the phased ban on plastic shopping bags, authorities say on-the-ground challenges persist, even as compliance gradually improves with the full ban across all sectors targeted by July 2027.

Ibtisam bint Khamis al Halwani, Head of the Chemicals Management Section at the Environment Authority’s Department of Chemicals and Waste Management, told Muscat Daily that some commercial activities remain among the least compliant.

“Data shows that certain sectors, particularly food outlets and fabric, textile and clothing shops, are still using banned bags. This continues to pose a regulatory challenge,” she said.

One of the main issues during implementation has been delays by some establishments in providing environmentally friendly alternatives, despite their inclusion in the mandatory phases under Decision No 8/2024. Some businesses have cited the higher cost of alternatives compared to conventional plastic bags.

Ibtisam clarified that eco-friendly alternatives are widely available in the market and can be imported, with no obligation to purchase from local suppliers.

She added that limited awareness among some business owners about the details of the decision, despite its official publication, has also affected compliance. “There is also a misconception among some that the ban is partial, whereas the decision clearly sets out a complete ban according to a defined timeline,” she said.

Local plastic bag manufacturers have also faced challenges in modifying production lines and shifting to eco-friendly products, which require additional investment. Some establishments raised concerns about existing stockpiles of plastic bags and were instructed to dispose of them through approved recycling facilities.

According to Ibtisam, the fourth phase of the ban started in January 2026 and covered activities related to the sale of building materials, animal feed, ice cream, honey, dates and nursery products, as well as the sale of birds and fish. Later phases will extend to sectors such as furniture, gold and automobiles, with a full ban across all sectors targeted by July 2027.

To address violations, the Environment Authority has stepped up inspection campaigns across governorates. Article 3 of the decision provides for administrative fines ranging from RO50 to RO1,000, which double for repeat offences.

Despite the challenges, Ibtisam noted a steady improvement in compliance, supported by awareness campaigns and workshops in various governorates, as well as a growing shift by local factories towards producing environmentally friendly alternatives. She added that the Environment Authority conducts awareness workshops across all governorates, during which eco-friendly alternative bags are distributed to promote adoption. More than 80,000 environmentally friendly bags have been distributed nationwide since the decision was issued.

She said the decision supports the National Programme for Reducing Plastic Pollution, promotes sustainable consumption, protects wildlife and the environment, and advances Oman’s transition towards a green and circular economy. It also encourages eco-friendly national industries in line with the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law and Oman Vision 2040.

“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility,” she stressed. “The success of this decision depends on the commitment of all to protect the environment for future generations.”