After almost a year of transition, the Three-phase Single-Use Plastic Ban, which began on December 31st, 2024, has now been fully executed.

As of Sunday, November 30^th, 2025, the sale and distribution of plastic utensils such as plates, cups, forks, spoon and knives is now prohibited after a three month transitionary period for businesses and consumers to switch to alternatives after a halt on the importation of such items in the federation on August 31^st, 2025.

This follows two previous phases that saw the restriction on the importation, sale and distribution of t-shirt shopping bags, Styrofoam food containers, bowls, plastic straws, as well as egg crates.

Therefore, businesses and consumers are encouraged to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives that are fiber based, are made of compostable materials or use paper-based products. The Department of Environment, encourages persons seeking more information to call 467- 1081.

Further, the ban aligns with national green initiatives such as the Plastic Waste Reduction Bill, passed in parliament on March 21st, 2025 as well as the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).