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The Deputy Minister of Environment, Ara Mkrtchyan, presented a bill to Parliament proposing amendments to the law on trade and services, which seeks to ban polyethylene bags and single-use plastic products starting January 1, 2027.
The Deputy Minister noted that the proposed changes are part of the Government’s program that aim at the gradual reduction and eventual ban of single-use plastic products. The bill is also aligned with European Union directives on reducing the environmental impact of plastic products.
“According to the bill, starting January 1, 2027, the sale or availability of polyethylene bags and sacks, as well as single-use containers and tableware made of plastic or foam plastic, will be prohibited at retail outlets, public catering points, fairs, exhibition sales, and outdoor or mobile trading locations. Exceptions are provided for bags used for pre-weighed packaging, plastic containers with lids, and garbage bags made from recycled materials. Penalties for violating the ban are set as follows: a first violation will result in a warning, while a second or subsequent violation will incur a fine of AMD 100,000 to 150,000,” the Deputy Minister said in parliament.
According to the Deputy Minister, limiting the use of single-use plastics has not only environmental but also political and economic significance.
“Ahead of COP-17, Armenia must present itself as a responsible country committed to the principles of sustainable development,” Mkrtchyan emphasized.
Armenia will host the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in October 2026.