Maldives to ban plastic water bottles from 2027
Final step of single-use plastics plan will prohibit 500ml–1L bottled water imports and sales, completing ban on 14 categories of plastics
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives will enforce a nationwide ban on small plastic water bottles from 2027, marking the final phase in the island nation’s sweeping campaign to eliminate single-use plastics and protect its fragile marine environment.
A decree signed Monday by President Mohamed Muizzu confirms that the import and local production of drinking water packaged in 500-millilitre to 1-liter plastic bottles will be prohibited from December 1, 2027, while the sale and distribution of such bottles will be barred from June 1, 2028.
The measure forms the last step in a broader plastic-reduction roadmap introduced by the previous government, which identified 14 categories of single-use plastic products for phased elimination.
According to officials, 13 of those items have already been banned, including carrier bags, plates, cutlery and disposable packaging widely used in the tourism and retail industries.
The transition timeline for water bottles has now been extended for a third time, after earlier deadlines set for December 2024 and March 2026 proved difficult for industry readiness.
Authorities say the additional time is intended to allow suppliers, resorts and local businesses to scale up alternative systems such as glass bottling, refill stations, filtration units and aluminium-based packaging.
For the Maldives — a low-lying island chain heavily dependent on coral reefs and coastlines — plastic pollution remains a direct existential risk. Much of the waste generated domestically ends up in landfills or in surrounding waters, threatening marine life and the tourism-dependent economy.
Environmental groups have long argued that the country’s actions could serve as an important blueprint for other small island states confronting similar challenges.
While the government has yet to detail transition incentives or support programs, analysts say completing the plastics ban would represent a landmark environmental achievement and reinforce the Maldives’ international narrative as a climate-vulnerable state taking proactive leadership.
The policy is expected to significantly reduce the volume of disposable plastic in circulation and advance long-term sustainability commitments linked to ocean protection and waste-management reform.
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