Armenia moves to ban plastic bags, disposable tableware by 2027

The Armenian government has approved draft amendments to the Trade and Services Act that would introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags and disposable tableware, including foam products.

The proposal has been forwarded to parliament for consideration, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media. 

Environment Minister Ambarzum Matevosyan said the ban is scheduled to take effect in 2027 and would prohibit the sale and distribution of these items in shops and food-service establishments. Certain products would be exempt, including packaged goods such as sugar and flour, garbage bags, and plastic bottles with caps.

Under the proposed rules, a first violation would result in a warning, while repeated breaches would carry a fine of 100,000 to 150,000 drams (about $390).

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan instructed retailers, caterers, and manufacturers to begin developing alternatives such as paper and cloth bags, as well as paper cups and other environmentally friendly materials. He noted that daily life in Armenia is still heavily reliant on plastic, and said it would take time and preparation to phase out these products responsibly.

By Sabina Mammadli