Starting January 1, 2026, Georgia will prohibit the use of certain plastic products intended for food contact.
The country is taking another important step toward environmental protection, beginning in 2026, the use of specific single-use plastic items designed for food contact will be banned.
The prohibition includes:
- Plastic forks, knives, spoons, and chopsticks
- Plates, stirrers, and drinking straws
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers and cups
- The production, import, and placing on the market of these items
Only single-use packaging materials used for pre-packed products are exempt from the ban.
A transitional period is also provided:
- Products already available on the market may continue to be sold for up to 3 months;
- Food service establishments may continue using single-use plastic containers/cups for up to 6 months.
It is important to note that the production of these items for export will remain permitted, subject to prior notification requirements.
This change represents a significant step toward reducing single-use plastics and improving environmental standards in the country.
