Armenia is discussing a ban on the sale and storage of disposable plastic tableware and containers
15.01.2026,
12:40
A legislative ban on the storage and sale of disposable tableware and containers made of plastic or foam is being discussed in Armenia.
YEREVAN, January 15. /ARKA/. A legislative ban on the storage and sale of disposable tableware and containers made of plastic or foam is being discussed in Armenia. The corresponding amendments and additions to the laws "On Trade and Services," "On Market Control," and the Code of Administrative Offenses were reviewed in the first reading at a meeting of the National Assembly Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture, and Environmental Protection.
According to Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection Ara Mkrtchyan, the legislative package proposes banning the disposal and presence of plastic bags and sacks, as well as disposable tableware and cutlery—plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, straws, and stirrers—in retail outlets, catering establishments, vending machines, mobile vending machines, fairs (vernissages), and trade shows, effective January 1, 2027.
Exceptions are planned for bags used for packaging goods, bags for recyclable materials, and plastic containers with lids used for packaging products.
The proposed penalty for a first violation is a warning, and for repeat violations, a fine of 100,000–150,000 drams (approximately $260–$400).
The bill also provides for the transfer of control over administrative violations in this area to local governments and the Market Inspection Authority.
The RA Ministry of Environmental Protection emphasized that limiting the consumption of single-use plastics is important not only from an environmental perspective, but also as a political and economic step demonstrating Armenia's commitment to sustainable development principles ahead of COP17.
According to Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection Ara Mkrtchyan, the legislative package proposes banning the disposal and presence of plastic bags and sacks, as well as disposable tableware and cutlery—plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, straws, and stirrers—in retail outlets, catering establishments, vending machines, mobile vending machines, fairs (vernissages), and trade shows, effective January 1, 2027.
Exceptions are planned for bags used for packaging goods, bags for recyclable materials, and plastic containers with lids used for packaging products.
The proposed penalty for a first violation is a warning, and for repeat violations, a fine of 100,000–150,000 drams (approximately $260–$400).
The bill also provides for the transfer of control over administrative violations in this area to local governments and the Market Inspection Authority.
The RA Ministry of Environmental Protection emphasized that limiting the consumption of single-use plastics is important not only from an environmental perspective, but also as a political and economic step demonstrating Armenia's commitment to sustainable development principles ahead of COP17.
