Government Extends Single-Use Plastic Phase-Out Deadlines By Up To A Decade

The Maldivian government has significantly relaxed its national timeline for phasing out key single-use plastics, granting extensions of up to ten years for widespread consumer items while introducing immediate bans on smaller plastic drink containers.

The policy overhaul follows recent consultations with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, culminating in a new decree issued by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu amending the official schedule of environmentally harmful single-use plastics published in the Government Gazette.

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Under the revised directive, several high-volume items previously targeted for near-term phase-outs have been granted substantial delays:

• Plastic Straws: The import ban, originally scheduled for 1 June 2021, has been deferred to 1 June 2031. The ban on domestic manufacture and commercial distribution, previously set for December 2022, is now delayed until 19 December 2031.
• Medium Water Bottles (500ml to 1L): Bans on importing and producing water bottles between 500 millilitres and 1 litre have been pushed back to 1 December 2029, with market distribution prohibited starting 1 June 2030.

The extension for 500ml to 1L water bottles marks a notable shift from previous enforcement plans. In late 2023, public notices from the Ministry of Environment framed 1L and smaller plastic water bottles as the final major category to be phased out, pointing to import and production bans by 1 December 2023 and market phase-outs by 1 March 2024. The latest decree extends the timeline for these containers by six to seven years.

Alongside the deferrals, the administration introduced an immediate ban on smaller non-water beverage containers. Under an amendment to Item 14 of the schedule, the regulated capacity threshold for non-water beverages was lowered from 500 millilitres to 250 millilitres. Consequently, the importation, domestic production, and commercial distribution of pre-packaged ready-to-drink beverages (excluding water) in plastic bottles under 250 millilitres are now banned with immediate effect.

These adjustments build upon existing single-use plastic restrictions enforced under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, which currently cover:

• Cutlery and Tableware: Plastic straws, plates, spoons, knives, forks, and drink stirrers.
• Food and Beverage Packaging: Styrofoam food containers, single-use plastic cups under 250ml, and plastic water bottles under 500ml.
• Shopping Bags: Plastic carrier bags measuring under 30 centimetres.
• Personal Care: Cotton buds with plastic stems, as well as cosmetic and toilet miniature packaging (shampoo, soap, conditioner, lotion) of 50ml or smaller.
• Other Products: Imported plastic-wrapped supari (betel nut).