Afghanistan bans plastic bag imports to curb pollution

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) —  The Taliban-led Afghan government has banned the import of plastic bags in an effort to curb rising pollution and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) said the move is part of a broader plan to reduce the country’s reliance on single-use plastics and to encourage the adoption of cloth and paper bags.

According to the Pajhwok Afghan News, the new restriction targets imported plastic bags, while domestic manufacturers are permitted to continue production under conditions that require gradual reductions in output. 

Officials say the scale of consumption, particularly in Kabul, has become unsustainable, with around four tons of plastic bags used daily nationwide.

“To tackle pollution, we must cut down on the use of plastic, especially in Kabul,” said Tofan Jubran, head of environmental pollution control at NEPA. He described the import ban as a necessary step toward reducing environmental damage, though acknowledged that further measures are needed to change consumer behavior.

Doctors and environmental specialists have highlighted the health dangers of continued plastic use. They warn that storing food in plastic bags and containers exposes people to chemicals that can trigger chronic diseases, including cancer and type 2 diabetes. “When people use plastic bags for food, it causes a series of problems in both the short and long term,” said Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Baha.

Municipal officials in Kabul are also stepping up public awareness campaigns. The city has already conducted more than 400 school-based education programs and hired 1,800 women to engage in door-to-door outreach. “We encourage people to switch to cloth bags,” said Nematullah Barakzai, a representative of Kabul Municipality.

Still, affordability remains a key obstacle. Vendors say plastic bags remain the cheapest option for both businesses and customers, limiting the impact of awareness drives. Residents argue that without government support to make alternatives accessible, plastic will continue to dominate daily life.

The import ban aligns Afghanistan with regional and global efforts to reduce plastic waste, which clogs waterways, worsens urban flooding, and harms ecosystems. Experts say the effectiveness of the measure will depend on enforcement, the availability of substitutes, and sustained public engagement.