Import of eight types of single-use plastics to the Maldives is set to be banned starting from June 1st.
Under a presidential decree issued by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on December 29, 2021, 13 types of single-use plastics are set to be banned from import to the Maldives across different phases this year. The first phase will be in effect from June 1, and includes the ban on eight different types of single-use plastics.
Items to be banned from June onwards include plastic bags below 30cm x 30cm, plastic straws used in drinks, as well as plastic cutlery, stirrers, plates and cups below 250ml. In addition, production and sale of imported beverages in plastic packages that are below 500ml, supari in plastic packaging, plastic stemmed cotton buds and Styrofoam lunch boxes as well as shampoo and soap in plastic bottles below 50ml have also been banned effective from June.
The plan to phase out the use of single-use plastic is a national initiative to phase out the production, importation and consumption of certain single-use plastics into the Maldives, in the effort to protect human health, and the vulnerable marine environment of the country.
