Plastic bags will be banned in Northern Cyprus starting January 1, 2026

On 28 November, the Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment of the TRNC held an internal training session on the ban on plastic bags, which will come into force on January 1, 2026. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Fikri Ataoğlu. The head of the department, Abdullah Aktolgalı, presented information about the law.

According to Aktolgalı, starting from December 1, 2025, department staff will begin informing the public in six districts. The distribution of informational brochures and the handing out of cloth bags are planned.

The department reports that the preparatory steps are aimed at organizing awareness activities before the ban takes effect. Residents should take note of the specified dates: information outreach will begin on December 1, 2025, and the ban itself on January 1, 2026.