DSPA to ban import of cotton swabs, two other plastic products in 2026

The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) has drafted plans to prohibit the importation of certain plastic products –  including cotton swabs, balloon sticks, and thundersticks – starting next year.

To address plastic waste and its environmental impact, the DSPA has been progressively restricting the import of foam plastic tableware –  such as lunch boxes, bowls, cups, and plates –  as well as nonbiodegradable single-use plastic tableware, straws, and cutlery into Macau since 2021.

In light of these efforts, Ip Kuok Lam, director of the DSPA, noted that the city’s plastic restriction measures have been highly effective, particularly in significantly reducing plastic waste from foam tableware.

Ip disclosed to the media the bureau’s plan to restrict, in the next phase, the import of three types of items: “Each year, about 2.4 million packs of disposable plastic cotton swabs, around 100,000 disposable balloon sticks, and 500,000 thundersticks are imported.”

He added that initial talks with the industry regarding the three specific items have received support. The director emphasized that the bureau will continue moving forward with the legislative process, aiming to introduce the new laws by the end of this year and implement them at the beginning of next year.

Ip made the remarks Saturday while speaking at the one-day 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area World Environment Day Carnival in Praça da Amizade.