Burkina Faso: Strengthening controls against the illegal production and distribution of plastic
The Minister of State, Minister in charge of the Environment, Commander Ismaël Sombié, released an alarming statement on February 20, 2026, reporting the persistence of certain companies in producing and distributing plastic packaging and bags despite the ban provided for by law. This ongoing practice constitutes a flagrant violation of the regulations in force, adopted with the aim of preserving the environment and combating plastic pollution.
Recalling the existing legal framework, Minister Sombié emphasized that Law No. 045-2024/ALT of December 30, 2024, regulating plastic packaging and bags in Burkina Faso, was adopted and then promulgated on December 31, 2024.
This law represents a major step forward in the national response to plastic pollution, a scourge with harmful consequences on ecosystems, public health, and the quality of life of the population.
Article 4 of this law clearly sets out the prohibitions aimed at reducing the use and proliferation of single-use plastics.
Thus prohibited are the production, import, marketing, distribution, possession, storage, and use of single-use or disposable plastic packaging and bags.
The law goes further by also prohibiting these same activities for packaging and bags with a thickness of less than seventy (70) microns.
Furthermore, any act of abandoning, depositing, dumping, or burning these plastics is formally forbidden, underscoring the authorities’ determination to drastically reduce their environmental impact.
Faced with the persistent non-compliance with these provisions by certain economic operators, the authorities have decided to strengthen control actions.
To this end, Minister Sombié announced that the Environmental Police will carry out extensive monitoring and inspection operations throughout the national territory in order to identify those breaking the law.
The Ministry warns that any offender is liable to the sanctions provided for by the regulations.
These sanctions, ranging from administrative measures to criminal penalties, aim to deter harmful behavior and encourage strict compliance with the law.
With these measures, Burkina Faso intends not only to enforce the legislation but also to protect its natural resources and promote a healthy living environment for its populations.
Hadja KOUROUMA
