On the initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, the Government of Georgia has made amendments to the resolution N 304 on June 8, 2022, on the “Generation of Approval of Plastic Materials and Crafts (Objects) for Touching Food“.
The change, which will enter into force from January 1, 2026, envisages the ban on the use of certain plastic objects intended to touch food.
Manufacture of plastic forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, saucers, beverage containers, food containers made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and their lids, cups made of expanded polystyrene and their lids (except for export purposes), import and place on the market.
It will also be prohibited to provide ready-to-consumer food items by public food establishments through single-use plastic containers and cups. It should be noted that the regulation does not apply to single-use packaging (items) made of plastics that are intended for foodstuffs.
The establishment takes into account a transitional period. Plastic forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, saucers, beverage containers, food containers made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and their lids, cups and their lids that are placed on the market before the operation of this Establishment, are allowed to be placed on the market for the operation of the Set. Three months out of Eda.
Also, public food facilities can provide ready-to-use food containers and cups made of plastic within six months of operation (starting January 1, 2026)
Control over the implementation of changes in technical regulations, within the scope of competence, is vested in the National Food Agency, the Department of Environmental Supervision, and the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia.
It is important to note that the production of the above-listed plastic items for export is not prohibited. The manufacturer, which produces plastic objects for touching food for export, is obliged to inform the Department of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, one month before the start of production, the number of products (items) to be prepared, about exporting countries, and exporting deadlines.
