Everything you need to know about the UAE’s single-use plastic ban
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The ban aims to protect the environment from pollution, limit plastic consumption and regulate its use at the federal level.
Dubai became the latest UAE emirate to announce a ban on single-use plastic from January 1, 2024, imposing up to a maximum penalty of 2,000 dirhams fine for violations.
This comes in the wake of the announcement made by the federal government in January 2023 on a ban on single-use plastic across the UAE from 2024.
The ban aims to protect the environment from pollution, limit plastic consumption and regulate its use at the federal level.
The government had announced a fee of 25 fils or 0.25 dirhams for consumers who used single-use plastic bags to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Most retailers in the country already apply this tariff to shoppers who choose to carry their products in single-use plastic bags. Dubai implemented the tariff on July 1 and Sharjah introduced it on October 1, 2022. Umm Al Quwain and Ajman also banned single-use plastics from January 1, 2023, and Ras Al Khaimah from January 1. January 2024.
In Abu Dhabi, a blanket ban on single-use plastic was enacted on June 1, 2022, while a ban on polystyrene products also came into force on January 1, 2024. This, according to the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, helped save 450,000 single-use plastic bags every day during the first year of the ban.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ban on single-use plastic bags by Dubai and the federal government.
Rules for all UAE
When will the single-use plastic ban come into effect in the UAE?
As of January 1, 2024, there is a complete ban on single-use plastic bags.
What does the ban cover?
According to a ministerial resolution, the import, production and circulation of single-use plastic bags is prohibited from January 1, 2024.
When does the product ban go into effect?
Products made from single-use materials will be banned from January 1, 2026. This includes a ban on plastic or foam products such as cups, plates, cutlery, containers and boxes. Spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, straws, and stirrers also fall into this category.
What is exempt?
The UAE’s decision excludes some products, including rolls of thin bags used to keep food fresh. Products that are going to be exported or re-exported are exempt, as long as they are clearly labeled. Bags made from recycled materials in the country are also exempt.
dubai rules
Here are the key features of Dubai’s law on banning single-use plastic bags and products made from such plastic:
Does the ban also apply to disposable products?
Yes. The ban applies to single-use disposable and recycled products, both plastic and non-plastic, regardless of their material composition.
Does the ban also apply to packaged products?
Yes. The ban applies to single-use, plastic and non-plastic products, as well as packaging materials for food delivery, fruit and vegetable wrappers, thick plastic bags, plastic containers and packaging materials. packaging partially or entirely made of plastic, such as those used. for plastic bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons and balloon sticks.
What is the penalty for violations?
Violators will be subject to a fine of Dh200. If the same offense occurs within a year, the penalty will be doubled, with a maximum of Dh2,000 when doubled.
Can the sentence be challenged?
Complaints must be submitted within ten business days following the date of notification of the decision, action or administrative sanction.
Does Dubai law cover both the mainland and free zones?
Yes. The ban extends to sellers and consumers within Dubai, covering private development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Does Dubai law exclude anything?
The ban excludes rolls of thin bags used to package meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread, garbage bags and products intended for export or re-export. These items include single-use plastic shopping bags, single-use shopping bags, and single-use disposable plastic products.
When will Dubai law cover single-use plastic products?
Starting January 1, 2025, products such as plastic stirrers, tablecloths, cups, Styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs will be banned. The ban will extend to plastic plates, plastic food containers, plastic tableware and beverage cups and their plastic lids from January 1, 2026.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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