Iraq Bans Free Plastic Bag Distribution, Bakery Use to End Within 6 Months

Iraq’s government, under newly appointed Prime Minister Ali ez-Zidi, has banned the free distribution of plastic bags in a move tied to the country’s efforts to meet its international commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. The measure is part of a wider push to curb plastic pollution, which experts say has reached serious levels in the country. Plastic bag use in bakeries will be prohibited within 6 months, according to the decision. The government also plans to impose taxes on factories that produce plastic. Revenue collected from those taxes will be directed to recycling projects and environmental awareness campaigns. Officials framed the step as part of broader environmental policy enforcement rather than a standalone restriction. Experts say urgent action is needed to address the scale of plastic pollution in Iraq. They also stressed that providing the public with low-cost alternatives will be crucial to the success of the new regulation.