Tbilisi (GBC) - By order of the Georgian Government, the sale of plastic forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, straws, and stirrers, as well as food containers, lids, cups, and cup lids made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), has been prohibited with effect from April 1, 2026. The import and manufacture of such products had already been banned since January 1, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, a further restriction on plastic consumption also enters into force today. Specifically, public procurement bodies are henceforth prohibited from purchasing plastic cups, containers, or beverages bottled in plastic vessels of up to three litres. The restriction does not apply to the procurement of drinks in plastic bottles of up to three litres where such purchases are made for the needs of the defence forces and military personnel.
Compliance with these regulations will be overseen, within their respective remits, by the National Food Agency, the Department of Environmental Supervision, and the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance.
Under the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia, violations of the requirements set out in the decree will carry a fine of 1,000 lari and confiscation of the relevant goods; repeat violations will attract a fine of 2,000 lari and confiscation.
“It is important to note that the regulation does not apply to the export of plastic products. Manufacturers producing goods for export are required to notify the Department of Environmental Supervision in writing, at least one month before commencing production, of the proposed start and end dates of production, the quantity of goods to be manufactured, the destination countries, and the intended export schedule,” the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture stated.
