Manama, Feb. 23 (BNA): In keeping with the Kingdom’s objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2060, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment, in coordination with pertinent authorities, to bolster legislative and regulatory measures that support Bahrain’s commercial and industrial sectors while striking a balance between environmental protection and economic development.
Industry Minister: Ministerial Decision (7) of 2026 prohibits single-use plastic bags less than 57 microns to promote sustainability
Single-use plastic bags that are thinner than 57 microns cannot be manufactured, imported, or used, according to Ministerial Decision (7) of 2026. In order to encourage sustainable habits and lessen plastic waste, the measure is in line with international environmental best practices and is part of the National Waste Management Strategy.
The minister explained that the ban applies to all single-use plastic bags smaller than 57 microns, including bags with plastic components. It also covers all carrying and hand-transport bags for equipment and goods, whether or not they are sold individually or in bundles, and whether or not they have handles. Household garbage bags, hazardous medical waste bags, food and medication packaging, and bags intended for export are among the exclusions.
According to the Minister, enforcement would be all-encompassing. The Ministry’s Inspection and Standards Directorate will inspect goods prior to port entrance to guarantee conformity, and the Inspection Directorate will work with field surveys and inspection campaigns to monitor the market continuously.
The judgment will be accompanied by a thorough guide booklet in both Arabic and English to promote complete compliance and increase awareness among economic players.
After the Ministry and the Supreme Council for Environment worked together to examine regional rules, align with international best practices, and conduct an analytical study evaluating environmental benefits like lowering waste and carbon emissions, the decision was made. To allow manufacturers to meet the new standards and allow for the depletion of current stock, a six-month transitional period has been given.
Ministerial Decision (11) of 2019 on technical regulations for plastic products, Ministerial Decision (77) of 2021 prohibiting plastic water bottles under 200ml, and Ministerial Decision (14) of 2022 prohibiting single-use plastic bags smaller than 35 microns are among the measures that have been constructed upon by this decision since 2019.
