Overview
- From January 1, 2026, the UAE will prohibit the import, manufacture and trade of additional single-use items including beverage cups and lids, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers and Styrofoam food containers.
- Single-use bags of any material, including paper, will be banned if their thickness is below 50 microns.
- Exemptions cover products clearly labeled for export, items made from recycled materials within the UAE, medicine bags, refuse bags, very thin fresh-food wrap and large shopping bags for clothing, electronics and toys.
- MOCCAE urged establishments, markets and suppliers to comply with the decision and transition to reusable or approved alternative products before enforcement begins.
- Earlier restrictions have shown impact, with Abu Dhabi reporting a 95% drop in plastic bag use at cash counters, equivalent to 2,400 tonnes of plastic.