In the past months, Africa and the Middle East have seen a surge of new regulation reshaping how packaging — especially plastics — is manufactured, imported and disposed of.
Mandatory extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, food-contact standards, and sweeping bans on single-use plastics are now rolling out across several countries.
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For packaging suppliers, retailers and global brands sourcing or operating in these regions, the changes mark a watershed moment in regulatory compliance and supply-chain strategy.
Regional standardisation and extended producer responsibility gain traction
In April and May 2025, the East African Community (EAC) formally notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of newly adopted packaging standards covering food-contact materials — including specifications for plastic cups, plates, baby pacifiers/soothers and paper–aluminium foil laminates for packaging.
These moves aim to impose clear requirements for composition, testing and compliance across member states (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda), which could significantly raise the bar for packaging producers and importers in the region.
In North Africa, Egypt enacted on 2 March 2025 a national EPR scheme for plastic shopping bags.
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By GlobalDataUnder Prime Minister’s Decree No. 662 of 2025, manufacturers and importers must track production volumes, report sales and pay a fee per kilogram of plastic sold. The revenue is earmarked for collection and safe disposal of plastic waste.
In Kenya, the Sustainable Waste Management Act (Legal Notice No. 176 of 2024) took effect 5 May 2025. From that date, producers and importers of packaging are responsible for the full lifecycle of their products — including collection and recycling.
Kenya also enforces stricter labelling requirements (under Legal Notice 181 of 2024), mandating resin codes, producer contact information and recycled-content disclosure before plastic packaging can be manufactured, imported or sold.
These regulations reflect a shift toward lifecycle accountability and traceability — obliging businesses to embed environmental responsibility into product design and supply-chain operations.
Single-use plastic bans expand rapidly across diverse markets
Several African and Middle Eastern countries moved in 2025 to ban or phase out single-use plastics. In Ethiopia, a law passed 2 June prohibits importation, production and use of thin plastic bags (under 0.03 mm thickness), along with disposable bottles, straws and wrappers.
In Nigeria a nationwide ban on plastic straws, cutlery, sachets, bottles and expanded polystyrene food containers took effect in January 2025 — though concerns remain about implementation readiness.
In West Africa, Ghana announced plans on World Environment Day (5 June 2025) to prohibit import, manufacture and use of polystyrene foam food containers.
Meanwhile in the Gulf region, Dubai (UAE) entered the second phase of its single-use plastics ban on 1 January 2025 — outlawing polystyrene food containers, plastic cups, straws, stirrers and table covers.
The bans drastically reduce demand for traditional single-use plastic packaging and drive a shift toward alternatives like paper-based, compostable or reusable packaging — transforming the market outlook for packaging manufacturers and converters.
Alignment with global standards raises import compliance requirements
Some regional markets are increasingly aligning their packaging- and food-contact standards with major global benchmarks.
As of 1 January 2025, Israel adopted over 40 import standards originally developed by the European Union, covering food-contact materials including plastics, cellulose film, rubber and active or intelligent packaging materials.
For international suppliers exporting to Israel and potentially other MENA markets, this alignment means EU-compliant materials and packaging practices may become the de facto requirement — increasing regulatory burden but also offering a harmonised compliance framework across multiple markets.
What the 2025 regulatory wave means for packaging industry stakeholders
For global packaging suppliers, converters and brands sourcing in Africa or the MENA region, 2025 marks a fundamental shift in the regulatory landscape.
EPR schemes, single-use plastic bans and stricter labelling standards now demand greater supply-chain transparency, full-lifecycle accountability and careful material selection.
Businesses may face increased costs and complexity in compliance — but also clearer and more predictable rules, which could help streamline regional and international operations.
Markets that once relied heavily on low-cost plastic packaging are likely to pivot toward paper- or board-based solutions, compostable materials or reusable packaging formats.
For exporters to Kenya, Egypt, Israel or UAE, compliance will soon require not only domestic regulatory conformity but also alignment with global standards.
Packaging industry players that act quickly — redesigning products, updating supply-chain documentation and investing in compliant materials — will be better positioned to navigate the transition. Those that do not risk supply interruptions, regulatory fines or loss of market access.
The 2025 regulatory overhaul across Africa and MENA underlines a broader global trend toward sustainability, circular economy and responsible packaging.
The packers, converters and brand owners that adapt now may well shape the future of packaging in these fast-evolving markets.
