Modifications to the regulatory list of restricted plastic imports were introduced to resolve operational and daily difficulties encountered by citizens and commercial enterprises, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy announced. The statement followed revisions enacted by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu regarding environmentally harmful single-use plastics prohibited from import, domestic manufacture, and commercial distribution.
Under amendments detailing three structural revisions to the phase-out schedule, the import ban on single-use plastic drinking straws was deferred until 1 June 2031, with domestic manufacture and distribution prohibitions rescheduled for 19 December 2031. Officials explained the extension was required after consumers reported paper alternatives dissolve and impede utility, while evaluations revealed inner plastic films and adhesives that elevate microplastic risks.
The updated framework outlaws the import and domestic production of plastic drinking water bottles sized at one litre and smaller starting 1 December 2029, followed by a market distribution ban on 1 June 2030. Although deferred three times previously, an extension proved unavoidable because missing island water infrastructure leaves residents reliant on packaged supplies. Enforcing an immediate prohibition would threaten clean water access, the ministry cautioned, noting containers under 500 millilitres are already prohibited.
President Muizzu concurrently adjusted restriction timelines for ready-to-drink plastic containers under 250 millilitres. Prior prohibitions on products under 500 millilitres obstructed small enterprise supply chains, the ministry stated, particularly for athletic supplements and essential liquid formulations for children.