New Project to Prohibit Sale of Plastic Bags and Single-Use Plastic Utensils

The National Assembly has approved in the first reading a package of draft amendments to the Law on Trade and Services and related laws, presented by Deputy Minister of Environment Ara Mkrtchyan.

The project proposes to ban the sale and availability of polyethylene bags and single-use containers and utensils made of plastic or polystyrene in trade venues, public catering organizations, fairs, exhibitions, as well as in outdoor and mobile trade points from January 1, 2027.

Exceptions are made for bags used for weight packaging and for garbage bags made from recycled materials, as well as containers with lids.

Liability is established for violating the ban, with a warning issued for the first breach, and fines ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 drams for second and subsequent violations.

The project stipulates that supervision will be carried out jointly by local self-government bodies and the Market Surveillance Inspectorate through a combined format and observation.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that limiting the use of single-use plastics is an important step not only from an environmental perspective but also from political and economic viewpoints. Ahead of COP17, Armenia will present itself as a responsible country committed to sustainable development principles.