From 2027, the production and sale of a range of plastic products and bags will be banned in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is continuing to phase out the circulation of plastic and polymer film products as part of the government’s policy to combat plastic pollution. This was reiterated by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision.

The ministry noted that plastic poses a serious environmental threat. According to the ministry, plastic products take an average of 400 to 700 years to decompose, whilst polyethylene bags take between 100 and 200 years. At the same time, plastic micro-particles enter the human body via food, water, air and packaging.

Since 2023, Kyrgyzstan has already had a restriction in place on the circulation of certain types of plastic products and polymer film bags within the Issyk-Kul region and specially protected natural areas.

The next stage will be the introduction, from 2027, of a ban on the production and sale of polymer film bags and certain plastic products. The free distribution of plastic bags in retail and service outlets will also be prohibited, with the exception of products included in the list of those permitted for circulation.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has stated that it is already carrying out awareness-raising and explanatory work with businesses, manufacturers and importers to help them switch to environmentally friendly alternatives in good time.