President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has extended several deadlines for restrictions on single-use plastics following recommendations from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.

Under Presidential Decree No. 15/2026, the deadline for banning the import of single-use plastic drinking straws has been moved from June 1, 2021, to June 1, 2031.

The deadline for prohibiting their production and sale in the Maldives has also been extended from December 19, 2022, to December 19, 2031.

The revised decree also changes the timeline for restrictions on certain plastic water bottles.

For water sold in plastic bottles ranging from 500 milliliters to one liter, the prohibition on import and production has been postponed until December 1, 2029.  The restriction on their sale will now take effect on June 1, 2030.

The amendment also changes the size threshold for another category of plastic bottles, reducing it from 500 milliliters to 250 milliliters.

Under the revised rules, the import, production and sale of pre-packaged beverages other than water in plastic bottles smaller than 250 milliliters are prohibited with immediate effect.

The changes have been incorporated into the list of single-use plastic products classified as harmful to the environment.

The amended list and revised deadlines were published in the Government Gazette.