Ras Al Khaimah’s Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) has banned single-use plastic bags, effective January 1, 2024.
This move aligns with the broader pan-UAE ban on single-use plastics introduced earlier this year.
Prohibition Covers Use and Circulation:
Under Law No.4 of 2023 issued by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council member as well as Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, both the use and circulation of single-use plastic bags will be prohibited in the emirate beginning next year.
Grocery stores, bakeries, clothing shops, electronics stores, and other establishments typically provide these bags.
The UAE is committed to its national sustainability initiative, which includes enforcing a blanket ban on single-use plastic bags nationwide from January 2024.
This ban extends to these materials’ import, production, and circulation.
In January 2026, the ban will also encompass other single-use plastic products such as cups, plates, cutlery, containers, boxes, spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, straws, and stirrers.
Other Emirates’ Initiatives:
Several other emirates in the UAE have taken measures to curb the use of single-use plastics. Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastics on June 1, 2022, while Dubai introduced a charge of 25 fils per bag for retailers from July 1, 2022.
Sharjah implemented a similar 25-fil tariff on single-use plastic bags starting October 1, 2022, with a complete ban scheduled for January 1, 2024. Al Quwain and Ajman have also announced plans to ban plastic bags starting in 2023.
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