From April 1, 2026, the sale of certain single-use plastic items intended for food is prohibited in Georgia. The ban covers plastic forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, straws, drink stirrers, as well as food containers, cups, and lids made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The production and import of these items have already been banned since January 1, 2026.
The regulation also affects state procurements: government bodies are prohibited from purchasing plastic cups, containers, or beverages in plastic bottles under 3 liters, with exceptions for military needs. The National Food Agency, the Environmental Supervision Department, and the Revenue Service will carry out enforcement.
Violations of the ban will result in fines of GEL 1,000 and confiscation of the products, while repeated violations carry fines of GEL 2,000 plus confiscation. The regulation does not apply to exports, but manufacturers must notify the Environmental Supervision Department one month in advance about production volumes, schedules, and export destinations.
Future measures target plastic bottles for beverages: from July 1, 2026, restaurants and cafes cannot serve drinks in plastic bottles, and from February 1, 2027, production, import, and sale of such bottles will be banned, except for bottles 3 liters or larger, or 20 liters and above for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Exemptions also cover military and law enforcement needs.
