In a significant move to eliminate one of the primary sources of plastic waste pollution, the Egyptian government has issued a decision to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations on plastic shopping bags. This measure imposes additional fees on manufacturers and importers of plastic bags to finance the safe disposal of resulting waste by government entities. The decision has been welcomed by numerous environmental activists and both regional and local environmental organizations.

According to Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly’s Decree No. 662 of 2025, plastic shopping bags produced or imported in compliance with Egyptian Standard No. 3040 are classified as priority products subject to EPR under Waste Management Law No. 202 of 2020. The decree outlines several obligations for manufacturers and importers, including registering their establishment details on the National Information and Waste Data Management System website. They must also submit a quarterly report via their online account on the national system, detailing the quantity of plastic bags sold, and pay EGP 37.5 per kilogram of plastic shopping bags sold in the local market. This fee will fund the competent authority’s safe disposal of the resulting waste.

Article 3 stipulates that the collected funds shall be deposited into the account of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority to support the implementation of safe disposal measures for plastic waste. Article 4 mandates the authority to submit an annual report to the Cabinet on the outcomes of the decree’s implementation. Article 5 states that the decree will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect three months after its publication date.

The Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) welcomed the decision, with Dr. Emad Adly, General Coordinator of RAED, describing it as a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability in Egypt. He called on all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector, to collaborate in achieving the decree’s objectives, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.

The Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE) also praised the decision, highlighting its alignment with the organization’s ongoing efforts through the “No to Single-Use Plastic” Initiative. This pioneering initiative was launched to raise awareness about plastic risks and encourage eco-friendly alternatives. It was implemented under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health and Population and the Tourism Promotion Authority, with the participation of various civil society organizations across multiple governorates.

In a statement, AOYE emphasized that the decision compels plastic manufacturers to bear the costs of safely disposing of plastic shopping bags. This regulation is expected to encourage a transition to safer, environmentally friendly alternatives. The statement also underscored the importance of enhancing public awareness regarding the hazards of non-biodegradable plastics and urged businesses and consumers to adopt responsible environmental practices. Furthermore, the organization recommended using the financial proceeds from this decree to support recycling initiatives and expand the use of sustainable materials.