Armenian authorities plan to gradually reduce and ban sale of  disposable tableware and containers made of plastic or foam

ArmInfo.  Armenian authorities are aiming to gradually reduce and ban the sale of disposable tableware and containers made of plastic or foam. At a  plenary session on February 11, the country's parliament will discuss  amendments to the Law "On Trade and Services" and a package of  related documents submitted by the RA government in the first  reading.

 Introducing the package, RA Deputy Minister of Environment  Ara Mkrtchyan noted that the bills propose banning the sale of  plastic bags and sacks, as well as disposable tableware and cutlery,  in retail outlets, catering establishments, mobile vendors, and  fairs, effective January 1, 2027. Exceptions will be made for bags  used for packaging goods, bags for recyclable waste, and plastic  containers with lids used for packaging products. The proposed  penalty for a first violation is a warning, and for repeat offenders,  a fine of 100,000-150,000 drams. The bill also provides for the  transfer of control over administrative violations in this area to  local governments and the Market Inspection Authority.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that limiting the consumption of  single-use plastic is important not only from an environmental  perspective, but also as a political and economic step demonstrating  Armenia's commitment to sustainable development principles ahead of  COP17.

In Armenia, a legislative ban on the storage and sale of disposable  tableware and containers made of plastic or foam is being discussed.  Corresponding amendments and additions to the laws "On Trade and  Services," "On Market Control," and the Code of Administrative  Offenses were considered in the first reading at a meeting of the  National Assembly Committee on Territorial Administration, Local  Self-Government, Agriculture, and Environmental Protection. According  to Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection Ara Mkrtchyan, the  legislative package proposes banning, starting January 1, 2027, the  disposal and possession of plastic bags and sacks, as well as  disposable tableware and cutlery-plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives,  straws, and stirring rods-in retail sales at retail outlets, catering  establishments, trading platforms, mobile vending machines, fairs  (vernissages), and trade exhibitions. An exception is planned for  bags used for packaging goods, bags for recyclable materials, and  plastic containers with lids used for product packaging.  The  proposed penalty for a first violation is a warning, and for repeat  violations, a fine of 100,000-150,000 drams (approximately  $260-$400). The bill also provides for the transfer of control over  administrative violations in this area to local governments and the  Market Inspection Authority. The RA Ministry of Environmental  Protection emphasized that limiting the consumption of single-use  plastics is important not only from an environmental perspective but  also as a political and economic step demonstrating Armenia's  commitment to sustainable development principles ahead of COP17.