Maldives Introduces New Plastic Regulations With Fines Up To $6,485

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has introduced the Single-Use Plastics Reduction Regulations, introducing strict penalties to curb the proliferation of disposable plastics across the Maldives. Under the new framework, the import, manufacture, and sale of banned single-use plastics will carry fines of up to USD 6,485. The regulations, which officially come into force this September, empower the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) to enforce these rules and impose penalties on violators. Central to the new policy is the requirement for a comprehensive national plan to reduce all disposable plastics by 2030. The government aims to complete this strategic roadmap by October 2027. To ensure feasibility, the plan must be developed in consultation with key stakeholders, balancing environmental urgency with economic impacts, the availability of sustainable alternatives, and public awareness. These regulations reinforce a Presidential Decree issued in December 2021, which initially banned 13 categories of single-use plastics through a phased implementation process. The move signals a tightening of government oversight to protect the archipelago's fragile marine ecosystem from plastic pollution. The list of prohibited items focuses on high-pollution disposables. Banned materials include plastic straws, cups, cutlery, stirrers, and styrofoam food containers. The regulations also target small plastic sachets, miniature plastic bottles used for toiletries, cotton buds with plastic rods, and plastic shopping bags smaller than 30 centimeters. By shifting the burden of cost onto those who continue to import and sell these materials, the government seeks to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy. This legislative move is part of a broader effort to mitigate the environmental degradation of coral reefs and lagoons, which are frequently impacted by plastic debris.