Muscat Municipality launches campaign to curb plastic usage

OMAN – Muscat Municipality has initiated a public awareness campaign to reduce plastic use and promote sustainable environmental practices within the community.

The initiative, rolled out through a series of posters, urges residents and businesses to adopt reusable alternatives to help reduce plastic consumption and foster a cleaner environment.

The Municipality highlighted the importance of collective action, encouraging individuals to participate in sustainability-focused events and activities.

The campaign stated, “Join us in our mission to reduce plastic usage and create a community dedicated to sustainable environmental practices. By embracing reusable alternatives, we can build a healthier environment for future generations.

This local initiative aligns with Oman’s broader national efforts to combat plastic pollution. In collaboration with the Directorate General of Customs, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) recently enforced Ministerial Decision No. 519/2022, which bans the importation of plastic bags effective from September 1, 2024.

The ban targets a wide range of plastic products categorized under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes, focusing on those made from ethylene polymers.

The prohibition applies to both biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastic bags commonly used for shopping, food packaging, waste disposal, and medical purposes.

The regulation is part of a larger strategy to reduce plastic waste at its source and promote the use of sustainable materials across industries.

The Ministry’s decision aligns with ongoing environmental initiatives led by Oman’s Environmental Authority (EA).

Earlier this year, the EA announced a phased plan to gradually eliminate single-use plastic shopping bags as part of its commitment to environmental protection, based on Royal Decree No. 106/2020, which established the EA.

In July, the first phase of the ban was implemented, targeting plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometers.

The EA has planned a second phase, set to begin in January 2025, which will extend the ban to textile and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors, watch shops, furniture retailers, and suppliers of household goods. The final phase aims to ban plastic shopping bags completely by January 2027.

An EA official noted that the decision was backed by comprehensive studies conducted with public and private sector stakeholders, ensuring a smooth transition period for the ban’s implementation.

“This decision is crucial for protecting Oman’s environment and wildlife, and it supports the country’s sustainable development goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040,” said the official.

Oman’s commitment to reducing plastic waste is further solidified by its participation in international environmental initiatives, such as the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, and its adherence to global conventions like the Stockholm and Basel Conventions.

Through national regulations and community-driven efforts, Oman is making notable strides toward a greener, more sustainable future.

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