Thailand to ban all plastic waste imports in 2025

Thailand has taken a significant step toward reducing its plastic waste by announcing a complete ban on plastic waste imports from January 1, 2025. The decision, made by the Thai Cabinet today, is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle the escalating problem of plastic waste, which is contributing to environmental degradation and posing a threat to human health.

Meanwhile, this year, for the 14 recycling plants in the tax-free zone, the amount of waste imported must not exceed their combined production capacity of 372,994 tonnes. In 2024, the amount of plastic waste allowed to be imported for these plants will be reduced to half of their combined production capacity.

Importers who wish to bring plastic waste to areas outside the tax-free zone will need to show evidence that the imports are necessary due to a shortage of supplies to meet their production demand. The…