Plastic cotton swabs to be banned alongside two other single-use plastics starting next year

The Official Gazette (BO) announced yesterday an executive order prohibiting the import of plastic cotton swabs, plastic balloon sticks, and inflatable air sticks, effective January 1 of next year.

The order, signed by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, specifies that swabs intended for sampling purposes are exempt from this import prohibition.

The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) highlighted in a statement that the regulatory measures were developed after a thorough analysis of Macau’s conditions, the availability of alternatives, and insights from neighboring regions, along with consultations with relevant industries.

Since 2016, the authorities have gradually implemented plastic restrictions, including bans on single-use polystyrene tableware and non-biodegradable plastic items such as drinking straws, stirrers, utensils, cups, and plates. The DSPA stated that these measures aim to “better protect Macau’s environmental quality.”

Cotton swabs are an everyday necessity, with the Environmental Protection Bureau reporting that Macau currently imports approximately 2.4 million packs of plastic cotton swabs annually. In response, the Suppliers’ Association indicated that the industry has already begun preparations following the authorities’ earlier announcement.

While some stockpiles remain, imported products are gradually being replaced with alternative options.

Sunny Ip, chairman of the Macau Union Suppliers Association, told the Times that the issue of importing plastic cotton swabs has been a long-standing concern. He noted that wooden and other non-plastic cotton swabs are now available on the market, and he believes the overall impact will be minimal.

“The industry has already started to reduce imports of plastic cotton swabs since early this year,” Ip stated. “Although some inventory remains, it is expected that once it is depleted, these products will not return.”

Regarding the government’s announcement, he expressed confidence that residents will not continue to purchase plastic cotton swabs in the long term, as alternatives are readily available. “Public awareness of the need to reduce plastic use is growing, and many have begun to adjust their consumption habits and reduce their reliance on plastic products since the government’s proposal,” Ip added.