The government-authored bill proposing amendments to the law on trade and services, which seeks to ban polyethylene bags and single-use plastic products starting January 1, 2027, passed parliament at its second reading with 67 votes in favor and 30 abstentions.

According to the bill, starting January 1, 2027, the sale or provision of polyethylene bags and sacks, as well as single-use containers and tableware made of plastic or foam plastic, will be prohibited at retail outlets, public catering establishments, fairs, exhibition sales, and outdoor or mobile trading locations. Exceptions are bags used for pre-weighed packaging, plastic containers with lids, and garbage bags made from recycled materials. Penalties for violating the ban are set as follows: a first violation will result in a warning, while a second or subsequent violation will incur a fine of AMD 100,000 to 150,000.