Georgia will ban the production, import and sale of most food products packaged in plastic starting February 1, 2027, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture announced. Under the new regulation, sunflower oil and drinking water in containers of 10 liters or more will be exempt from the ban.
The expanded food packaging ban represents the next stage of Georgia’s broader anti-plastic strategy which is being introduced gradually to allow businesses time to adapt.
Earlier measures are already in force. Since January 1, the production, import and sale of certain single-use plastic items, including cutlery, plates, straws and specific polystyrene containers, have been prohibited. A three-month transition period was granted for products already placed on the market.
Further restrictions will take effect in the coming months:
- From April 1, 2026: Most government agencies will be prohibited from purchasing plastic cups, containers and bottles of up to three liters.
- From July 1, 2026: Restaurants and cafes will no longer be permitted to serve food in plastic containers.
- From February 1, 2027: The comprehensive ban on plastic-packaged food products will enter into force.
Policy approach and business consultation
The ministry stated that Georgia’s approach does not replicate a specific foreign model but instead combines phased product bans with regulatory and institutional mechanisms tailored to the country’s context.
Officials said consultations were held with private sector stakeholders, including beverage producers and business associations, to present the timeline and discuss implementation details.
The overarching goal of the reform is to significantly reduce plastic pollution and promote more sustainable consumption practices. Businesses are now awaiting additional guidelines.
