Armenia’s National Assembly has given final approval to legislation that will ban the sale and commercial use of polyethylene bags, along with certain single-use plastic and polystyrene foam containers and tableware, starting January 1, 2027, as part of a broader effort to reduce long-term environmental damage and plastic pollution across the country.
The bill, drafted by the government, was adopted in its second and final reading by Armenia’s parliament and now moves forward in the legislative process ahead of taking effect in 2027.
Under the measure, the sale or provision of polyethylene bags and sacks, as well as certain single-use containers, tableware, and utensils made of plastic or foam plastic, will be prohibited in a wide range of commercial settings. These include retail outlets, public catering establishments, fairs, exhibition sales, and outdoor or mobile trading locations.
The legislation is aimed at addressing the environmental harm caused by plastic products that are typically used only briefly before being discarded. Supporters of the bill say plastic bags and other single-use items have become a visible source of pollution in Armenia’s resort areas and tourist destinations.
As an alternative, it proposes the use of reusable bags made of paper, fabric, and other materials, as well as containers made of paper or foil.
It is emphasized that Armenia’s water areas, recreational zones, and tourist destinations are polluted with used polyethylene packaging, single-use plastic products, and their waste. “The entire volume of single-use plastic products ultimately ends up in nature and, even in landfills, continues to harm the environment, under the influence of sunlight and through self-ignition, releasing carcinogenic dioxin and furan gases.”
Businesses that violate the ban will face administrative penalties. A first offense will result in a warning, while a second or subsequent violation will carry a fine of 100,000 to 150,000 drams.
Polyethylene is not biodegradable. It can remain in nature for hundreds of years. Plastic harms the entire ecosystem. The Government has been attempting to ban the sale of polyethylene bags since 2019–2020.
