Adjustments made to deadlines for banning certain types of single-use plastics
19 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 22:21The government has revised the phase-out schedule for single-use plastics, delaying the ban on plastic straws and water bottles until 2029 and 2031, respectively. However, the import and production of non-water beverages in plastic bottles smaller than 250ml became prohibited as of Saturday. According to the President's Office, these adjustments were implemented to mitigate the potential financial impact on businesses.
Plastic bottles. | Google
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revised the deadlines for banning the import, production, and distribution of specific types of single-use plastics that are harmful to the Maldives' environment.
The President's Office stated that these changes were implemented following consultations with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.
Furthermore, following this amendment, significant changes have been made to the previous resolution establishing the list of environmentally harmful single-use plastics, which has now been published in the Government Gazette.
Among the amendments, the deadline for banning the import of single-use plastic drinking straws into the Maldives has been extended from June 1, 2021, to June 1, 2031. Furthermore, the date to prohibit the manufacture and distribution of such straws within the country has been pushed back from December 19, 2022, to December 19, 2031.
Furthermore, the deadline to ban the import and production of plastic water bottles ranging from 500 milliliters to 1 liter has been extended to December 1, 2029. The government has also decided to push back the deadline for prohibiting the sale and distribution of these bottle sizes in the local market to June 1, 2030.
At the same time, the regulated plastic bottle size has been reduced from 500ml to 250ml. Consequently, effective Saturday, the import, production, and distribution of all ready-to-drink beverages—excluding water—packaged in plastic bottles smaller than 250ml will be strictly prohibited in the Maldives.
The President's Office stated that these changes were introduced by the President to facilitate the sustainable implementation of environmental protection policies, while minimizing disruptions to businesses and everyday life.
