New Plastic Restrictions in Georgia to Take Effect in Phases Through 2031

The ban on public catering establishments serving beverages to consumers in plastic bottles will take effect from July 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia has clarified the timelines for the implementation of new regulations aimed at reducing plastic consumption:

As of April 1, 2026, the following are prohibited:

• Production (except for export purposes), import, and/or placement on the market of plastic forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, straws, drink stirrers, as well as food containers and cups made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and their lids.
• Procurement of plastic cups, containers, and beverages in plastic bottles of up to 3 liters within state procurement.

From July 1, 2026, the following will be prohibited:

• Public catering establishments providing ready food to consumers using single-use plastic food containers and cups.
• Public catering establishments serving beverages to consumers in plastic bottles.

From February 1, 2031, the following will be prohibited:

• Production (except for export purposes), import, and placement on the market of beverages in plastic bottles.
• The ban will not apply to drinking water in containers of 3 liters or more, and other beverages in containers of 20 liters or more.

These measures are part of a broader effort to reduce plastic use and promote more sustainable alternatives.