Georgia has introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of certain single-use plastic products used for food consumption, as part of broader efforts to reduce environmental pollution and plastic waste.
From April 1, 2026, the sale of plastic cutlery, including forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, as well as plates, straws and drink stirrers is prohibited. The restriction also extends to food containers, cups and lids made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The production and import of these items had already been banned earlier, effective January 1, 2026.
The new regulation also applies to public procurement. Government institutions are no longer allowed to purchase plastic cups, food containers or beverages in plastic bottles smaller than three liters. Exceptions are made for military use.
Enforcement will be carried out by the National Food Agency of Georgia, the Environmental Supervision Department of Georgia, and the Revenue Service of Georgia.
Businesses violating the ban face a fine of GEL 1,000 along with confiscation of the prohibited products. Repeat violations will result in a GEL 2,000 fine and confiscation.
The regulation does not apply to goods produced for export. However, manufacturers are required to notify the Environmental Supervision Department at least one month in advance about production volumes, timelines, and export destinations.
The government has also outlined further steps targeting plastic beverage bottles.
- From July 1, 2026, restaurants and cafés will be prohibited from serving drinks in plastic bottles.
- From February 1, 2027, the production, import, and sale of plastic beverage bottles will be banned, except for containers of three liters or more, or large-format bottles of 20 liters and above.
These restrictions will apply to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with exemptions for military and law enforcement needs.
