Maldives Delays Plastic Water Bottle Ban Until 2027 After Tourism Ministry Advice

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has postponed the nationwide ban on single-use plastic water bottles following recommendations from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The prohibition on packaging, production, and import of 500ml to 1-liter plastic bottles has been extended from December 1, 2025, to December 1, 2027. The sales ban for these same plastic water bottles has also been deferred. Originally scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2026, the restriction will now begin on June 1, 2028. The decision represents a significant shift in the Maldives' environmental timeline, giving businesses and consumers additional years to adapt to the plastic reduction policy. The amendment to the Presidential Decree on Single-Use Plastics Detrimental to the Environment has been officially published in the Government Gazette. This extension comes as the tourism-dependent nation balances environmental conservation efforts with practical industry considerations. Single-use plastics have been a growing concern across the Maldives' fragile island ecosystems, where waste management presents ongoing challenges. The two-year delay provides more transition time for hotels, resorts, and local businesses to find sustainable alternatives to plastic water bottles. The original ban was part of broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.