The battle to save the kingdom from environmentally-destructive thin plastic waste has taken a decisive turn with the introduction of new measures banning single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 57 microns.
The move is part of determined efforts to promote sustainability, a top official has confirmed. According to Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, the ban comes as part of legislative and regulatory measures, in co-ordination with relevant authorities and in line with the kingdom’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
A six-month transitional period has been put in place to allow depletion of stocks and to give manufacturers in the kingdom ample time to comply with the new standards.
Mr Fakhro stated that the decision comes as part of efforts to support Bahrain’s industrial and commercial sectors while balancing economic development with environmental protection.
“Decision No (7) of 2026 prohibits the manufacture, import, or use of single-use plastic bags less than 57 microns thick,” said Mr Fakhro. “The measure falls under the National Waste Management Strategy and aligns with international environmental best practices to promote sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.
“The ban covers all single-use plastic bags and bags containing plastic components, and applies to all carrying and hand-transport bags for goods and equipment, whether with or without handles, provided at points of sale or sold individually or in bundles.
“Exemptions include household waste bags, hazardous healthcare waste bags, packaging for medicines and food, and bags designated for export purposes.”
Fifty-seven microns is equal to exactly 0.057 millimetres. To put this into perspective and help understand just how fine a micron is, a typical human hair is about 70 microns thick and a piece of paper is around 100 microns thick.
Thin plastic bags, film and wraps are dangerous because they rapidly break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, which can release toxic chemicals (BPA, phthalates) into food, water and air. These particles penetrate human organs and cells, causing inflammation and endocrine disruption.
Mr Fakhro added that enforcement will be comprehensive and that products will be inspected prior to entry through ports by the ministry’s Inspection and Standards Directorate to ensure compliance.
There will also be continued market monitoring through inspection campaigns and field surveys in co-ordination with the Inspection Directorate.
To ensure clarity, a comprehensive guidance manual in Arabic and English will accompany the decision to raise awareness among economic stakeholders and support full compliance.
The decision was issued following joint efforts between the ministry and the Supreme Council for Environment. It included a review of regional regulations, alignment with global best practices, and an analytical study assessing environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions and waste.
A six-month transitional period has been granted to allow depletion of existing stock and enable manufacturers to comply with the new standards.
In July 2019, plastic water bottles under 200ml were banned under similar legislations, along with the importation of non-biodegradable plastic bags.
One year later, the government put a stop to plastic table covers as well.
The GDN reported in September 2022 that Bahrain banned the import, manufacture and distribution of single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns as part of the government’s plan to protect the environment from pollutants and reduce the spread of plastic waste.
It was revealed that the bags posed a threat to aquatic and wildlife across the region. According to a study in September 2024 by the ministry, of the 551 samples taken from 502 shops and points of sale, 83 per cent of plastic bags were found to comply with the requirements.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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