UAE imposes Up to Dh2,000 fine for violating ban on single-use plastic
Dubai has joined several other emirates in the UAE by enforcing a ban on single-use plastic from January 1, 2024, with violators facing fines of up to Dh2,000.
Federal government announcement
The federal government had previously announced a nationwide ban on single-use plastic starting in January 2024, emphasizing the move's environmental benefits and the need to regulate plastic consumption at the federal level.
The ban includes a tariff of 25 fils (Dh0.25) on consumers using single-use plastic bags, encouraging the adoption of more eco-friendly alternatives. Many retailers in the country have already implemented this tariff for shoppers opting for single-use plastic bags. Dubai introduced the tariff on July 1, and Sharjah followed suit on October 1, 2022. Other emirates, including Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, had banned single-use plastics as of January 1, 2023.
On June 1, 2022, Abu Dhabi completely outlawed single-use plastics; on January 1, 2024, they extended the prohibition to Styrofoam goods as well. The prohibition was successful in reducing the usage of 450,000 single-use plastic bags per day in the first year, as reported by the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi.
Effective Date:
The nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags came into effect on January 1, 2024.
Coverage:
The ban includes the prohibition of importing, producing, and circulating single-use plastic shopping bags.
Ban on Products:
Drinkware, plates, silverware, containers, and boxes manufactured from disposable materials (e.g., plastic or foam) will be illegal beginning January 1, 2026.
Exemptions:
Certain products are exempted, including thin bag rolls used for food preservation, exported or re-exported items with clear labeling, and bags made from recycled materials within the country.
Dubai Rules
Regardless of their material composition, the prohibition in Dubai covers all single-use disposable and recyclable products. This includes plastics and non-plastic items as well.
Applicability:
The ban applies to single-use products, food delivery packaging materials, fruit and vegetable wrapping, thick plastic bags, and packaging materials partially or entirely made of plastic.
Penalties:
Violators in Dubai face a Dh200 fine, doubling for repeated violations within a year, with a maximum penalty of Dh2,000.
Appeals:
Grievances regarding penalties must be submitted within ten working days from the date of notification.
Coverage:
The ban in Dubai extends to sellers and consumers in private development zones, free zones, and the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Exclusions:
Certain items are excluded from the ban, such as rolls of thin bags for packing specific items and products intended for export or re-export.
Timeline for Products Ban:
Plastic stirrers, tablecloths, cups, styrofoam food containers, straws, and cotton swabs will all be illegal in Dubai as of January 1, 2025. On January 1, 2026, the prohibition will be extended to include plastic lids, plates, food containers, tableware, and drinking cups.
