Kyrgyzstan Softens Plastic Ban, Lifts Restrictions on PET Bottles to Align with EAEU Standards

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed amendments to the law “On Limiting the Circulation of Polymer Film Bags and Plastic Items in the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic,” easing certain restrictions on single-use plastics initially passed by parliament on June 17, 2025.

The original law, set to fully take effect on January 1, 2027, banned the production, import, and sale of various plastic products, including polymer film bags, all disposable plastic tableware, disposable plastic food packaging, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, disposable plastic egg cartons, plastic coffee capsules, and grocery bags.

Under the recent amendments, PET bottles and disposable plastic food packaging have been removed from the banned list. Furthermore, the ban on disposable plastic tableware has been narrowed to target only non-recyclable items.

These changes were introduced to bring Kyrgyzstan’s environmental regulations in line with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) standards—a regional bloc including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The initial broad restrictions, particularly on PET bottles and plastic food containers, raised concerns among businesses over potential disruptions to manufacturing operations and cross-border trade.

Industry representatives highlighted that the original provisions conflicted with shared EAEU norms, complicating compliance and potentially affecting regional supply chains.

Despite the national easing, local environmental initiatives continue. Notably, as reported by The Times of Central Asia, Issyk-Kul’s resort and recreational areas implemented a ban on plastic bags starting March 2025, aiming to protect the lake’s delicate ecosystem and maintain environmental cleanliness.

Kyrgyzstan's adjustment reflects a balance between environmental responsibility and practical economic considerations within the regional framework.

Source: timesca.com