The Armenian Government has approved a package of draft amendments to the Law “On Trade and Services” and related legislation aimed at reducing and ultimately banning the use of single-use polyethylene products. The initiative stems from the Government’s 2021–2026 program, which designates the gradual elimination of single-use polyethylene as a key environmental priority.
According to Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan, the drafts propose banning, as of January 1, 2027, the sale and presence of polyethylene bags and sacks in retail outlets, public catering establishments, mobile trade points, and fairs. The ban will apply regardless of thickness, including products over 50 microns. Exceptions will be made only for weighing and packaging bags and waste bags produced from secondary raw materials.
As alternatives, the Ministry recommends reusable bags made from paper or textile materials.
The draft also proposes banning the sale and use of single-use plastic or foam containers and tableware—including plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, and drinking or stirring straws—in the same commercial spaces. Exceptions will apply only to lidded plastic containers used for weighing and packaging food. Environmentally friendly alternatives, such as tableware made from paper or wood and containers made from paper or foil, are encouraged.
Minister Matevosyan explained that businesses violating these prohibitions will face administrative penalties: a warning for the first offense, followed by fines ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 drams for repeated violations. Monitoring will be jointly carried out by the Market Surveillance Inspectorate and local self-government bodies.
“Restricting single-use plastics in Armenia is not only an environmental measure—it has political, economic, and public health significance,” the minister emphasized. “It aligns with the logic of the recently discussed draft law on universal health insurance. A healthy society is impossible without a healthy environment. Single-use plastics are among the main sources of pollution and contribute to microplastic accumulation, posing risks to both biodiversity and human health.”
He added that this step will present Armenia as a responsible, sustainability-focused country, sending an important signal ahead of the upcoming COP 17 international conference, scheduled to take place in Armenia.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stressed the need for active public awareness campaigns and consistent engagement with businesses to ensure the smooth implementation of the new regulations. He noted that society has long been accustomed to the widespread use of plastics, making education and support programs essential.
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of developing a clear roadmap for implementing the ban by January 1, 2027.
