Iraq to ban plastic shopping bags from November

BAGHDAD — Iraq will begin a gradual ban on plastic shopping bags in early November, the Ministry of Environment said Monday, following a Cabinet decision on May 19 approving recommendations from the National Committee for Reducing Plastic Pollution.

The measures include ending the free distribution of plastic bags within six months of the decision and introducing environmental service fees covering monitoring and assessments for producers. Plastic bags are to be replaced with biodegradable alternatives.

Amir Ali al-Hassoun, director general of the Department of Environmental Awareness and Media, said the decision “reflects the government’s interest, under the leadership of Ali al-Zaidi, in the environmental file,” adding that Environment Minister Sarwa Abdulwahid had begun supervising the preparation of plans and technical procedures to ensure implementation by the specified date.

The ban covers plastic shopping bags only and does not extend to packaging and storage bags. Bags used for samoon and bread products are exempt under approved regulations.

Al-Hassoun called on media outlets, activists and civil society organizations to support awareness efforts and encourage citizens, markets and shopping centers to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.

On May 20, ministry spokesperson Luay al-Mukhtar said the average Iraqi consumes nearly half a kilogram of plastic daily, including about 10 plastic bags, which at Iraq’s population scale translates to around 20,000 tons of plastic waste per day, excluding other waste streams. He said plastic imports had contributed to market saturation and hidden economic losses, and suggested paper and cloth bags as replacements.

Environment Minister Abdulwahid announced a national campaign on May 28 to support the Cabinet decision, calling on institutions, media organizations and citizens to back the ministry’s push for a gradual reduction of plastic products harmful to public health and the environment.