This document has been prepared within the framework of the law limiting the use of polymer bags and plastic products. Starting from January 1, 2027, a ban on the circulation of certain plastic goods will be introduced in the country. The new list is intended to establish transparent rules during the transition period. Only biodegradable packaging and products that can be recycled will be allowed in circulation.
The reasons for introducing these restrictions are clear: plastic and polyethylene bags account for approximately 26% of all waste in Kyrgyzstan's landfills. In 2024, the volume of imported polyethylene bags is expected to reach 15,400 tons, while domestic production is only about 708 tons. The problem of plastic pollution is particularly acute for Lake Issyk-Kul, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
List of polymer film bags and disposable plastic tableware permitted for circulation in the Kyrgyz Republic:
| № | Name of polymer film bags and disposable plastic products | Commodity Nomenclature Code for Foreign Economic Activity (TN VED EAEU) | Thickness of bags(in microns; μm) | Content of biodegradable materials in packaging (%) | Content of recycled plastic in packaging materials (%) |
| 1. | Roll bags | 3923 21 000 0 | 1 layer 15 μm | 100 % | - |
| 2. | “T-shirt” bags in rolls | 3923 21 000 0 | 1 layer 15 μm | 100 % | - |
| 3. | Bags with loop handles | 3923 21 000 0 | 1 layer 50 μm | - | 20 % |
| 4. | Bags with cut handles | 3923 21 000 0 | 1 layer 50 μm | - | 20% |
| 5. | Garbage bags | 3923 21 000 0 | 1 layer 20 μm | - | 100 % |
| 6. | Disposable plastic tableware | 3924 10 000 0 | - | - | 20% |
Notes:
- The circulation of bags and disposable plastic tableware includes their production, use, sale, and free distribution in trade and services within Kyrgyzstan.
- Biodegradable packaging is packaging that can undergo composting and biodegradation by microorganisms, resulting in aerobic or anaerobic decomposition that produces carbon dioxide, water, mineral salts, and new biomass.
- Bags and disposable plastic tableware must comply with the technical regulation of the Customs Union "On the Safety of Packaging" (TR TS 005/2011) regarding safety.
