Kyrgyzstan Ease Restrictions on Single-Use Plastics

Kyrgyzstan has revised its upcoming nationwide restrictions on single-use plastics in an effort to harmonize with regional trade standards, according to an official announcement from the President’s office.

President Sadyr Japarov recently signed amendments to the law “On Limiting the Circulation of Polymer Film Bags and Plastic Items in the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.” The original law, passed by parliament on June 17, 2025, aimed to implement a comprehensive ban on the production, import, and sale of several types of plastic products starting January 1, 2027.

However, under the new amendments, certain items—such as PET bottles and disposable plastic food packaging—have been removed from the list of prohibited products. Furthermore, the original ban on disposable plastic tableware has been narrowed to apply only to non-recyclable products.

According to The Times of Central Asia, the decision to amend the law comes amid growing concerns from industry stakeholders over potential conflicts with the technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Belarus.

Business groups argued that an outright ban on PET bottles and food packaging would disrupt regional supply chains and complicate compliance with existing EAEU standards, potentially affecting both local manufacturers and importers.

As reported by several regional media outlets, the government emphasized that while aligning with EAEU regulations was a key motivator, the country remains committed to its environmental goals.

Despite the national-level adjustments, local bans remain in force. Notably, in the Issyk-Kul region—one of Kyrgyzstan’s most popular tourist destinations—authorities have maintained a ban on the sale and use of plastic bags in resort and recreational areas since March 2025.

According to The Times of Central Asia, the Issyk-Kul initiative is part of a broader environmental campaign aimed at preserving the lake’s delicate ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism.

Source: The Times of Central Asia