Somali Gov’t Orders Ports to Bar Import of Single-Use Plastic Bags as Ban Comes Into Effect

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transports has ordered a ban on entry of plastic bags in the country through the ports reinforcing an earlier countrywide importation and use of the bags by the Environment Ministry.

In a letter addressed to the Port of Mogadishu, Ports Police and other government agencies, the Ministry said in a letter dated October 14 that no single use plastic bags will be cleared for import into the country effective October 1.

“”Referring to the letter from the Office of the Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, dated 17/09/2024, the purpose is to inform about the banning of single-use bags. The organizations covered by this letter are informed that they cannot import or export single-use bags from October 1, 2024,” said in a statement from the Ministry of Ports.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment and Climate had announced the ban on single-use plastic bags last year but the later issued a moratorium which lapsed this month.

Plastic bags use has been pervasive in Somalia clogging drainages and posing dangers to animals. However, since the government decree, several outlets including supermarkets especially in Mogadishu have adopted the use of environment friendly bags.

Neighbouring countries such as Kenya have banned the import and use of plastic bags.