Inspection Campaign Reveals 83% Compliance with Plastic Bag Regulations

TDT | Manama

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A recent inspection campaign conducted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has found that 83% of plastic bags available in local markets comply with the requirements for wildlife protection. This was confirmed after samples were collected to ensure adherence to Decision No. 14 of 2022.

The campaign, as revealed by a Ministry of Industry and Commerce instagram post, involved inspections of 502 stores and the collection of 551 samples. It was noted that 17% of the products did not meet the specified requirements.

The ministry highlighted its commitment to environmental protection through a post on its official Instagram account. The campaign aligns with the government's program to secure an environment supportive of sustainable development and is part of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which aims to protect natural spaces, wildlife, and reduce environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

This initiative follows previous inspection campaigns aimed at ensuring local markets comply with regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, importing, and trading of single-use plastic bags that are less than 35 microns thick.

Decision No. 14 of 2022, which prohibits the production, import, or sale of single-use plastic bags below 35 microns, came into effect on September 18, 2022.

This decision supports the ministry's initiatives to protect the environment and implement the government’s action plan for sustainable development, ultimately aiming to mitigate the risks posed by plastic waste, which presents a significant threat to Bahrain’s wildlife.