President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, has signed the law "On Restriction of Circulation of Polyethylene Bags and Plastic Products on the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic," previously adopted by the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan.
The law aims to reduce the harmful impact of polymer materials on health and the environment within the country by establishing a prohibition on the circulation (import, production, use, sale) of polyethylene bags and plastic products.
The law will come into effect on January 1, 2027, throughout the country. It introduces a ban on the production of polyethylene bags and plastic products (excluding bags produced for export, biodegradable bags without handles intended for household use), the sale of polyethylene bags and plastic products, and the free distribution of such bags and products in trade and service sectors.
Additionally, after 15 days from the official publication of the adopted law:
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An absolute ban on the circulation of polyethylene bags and all types of plastic products is imposed within the resort-recreation zone of the Issyk-Kul region.
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A ban on the import of polyethylene bags (excluding bags imported by individuals for personal use in transporting and packaging goods and personal belongings, as well as transit movement of goods in sealed cargo compartments) and plastic products, their use and sale, is introduced in specially protected natural and biosphere areas of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The law specifies a list of plastic products prohibited for circulation, including all types of disposable plastic tableware, disposable plastic food packaging, PET plastic bottles, disposable plastic egg packaging, coffee capsules, and grocery bags.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
August 12, 2023