Polyethylene Bags Thicker Than 50 Microns Will Also Be Banned Starting in 2027
From January 1, 2027, additional restrictions will be imposed on the use of polyethylene bags in Armenia. At today’s government session, Minister of Environment Hakob Matevosyan presented a package of legislative amendments that will extend the ban to include polyethylene bags thicker than 50 microns.
The executive body approved the proposed amendments to the Law “On Trade and Services,” which will replace the word “realization” (sale) with the phrasing “alienation” (disposal).
Following this change, a ban will be established not only on the sale (“realization”) of bags but also on their disposal (“alienation”), including their presence in trade, public catering facilities, mobile trading points, fairs, and retail locations.
The only exceptions will be bags intended for weight-packaging, as well as garbage bags made from secondary raw materials. As an alternative, the Ministry proposes bags made of paper, cloth, and reusable bags.
The ban on single-use containers and tableware made of plastic or foam plastic will also be expanded. Alternatives made of paper, foil, or wood materials are permissible instead.
“This is one of the important steps in protecting our ecosystem. In case of violation of the established prohibitions, administrative liability is envisaged: a warning, and in case of repetition, a fine of 100-150 thousand drams,” noted Matevosyan.
Under the previously established regulations, the fine amounted to 30–100 thousand drams.
It should be recalled that the use of polyethylene bags with a thickness of up to 50 microns had already been banned in Armenia since January 1, 2022, with the exception of cases of weight-packaging and production with secondary raw materials.