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Are plastic bags illegal in Spain?
Yes. Plastic bags are banned in Spain. Thin plastic bags banned since 2021 unless they are compostable.
Real Decreto 293/2018 art. 4 (carried into RD 1055/2022): lightweight bags (15-50 microns) and very light bags banned from 1 Jan 2021 unless compostable (Comunidad de Madrid page, updated 26 Nov 2025).
Source: RD 293/2018; Madrid 2025
Banned (59)Restricted (26)Allowed
- Spain is one of 59 countries where plastic bags are banned, and 26 more restrict them.
- Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 2 (France).
- In Europe: banned in 10 of 39 countries.
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Other countries that ban plastic bags
Solomon Islands
Vanuatu
Marshall Islands
Fiji
St. Kitts & Nevis
Antigua & Barbuda
Barbados
Belize
Jamaica
Eritrea
Mauritania
Cameroon
Congo - Brazzaville
MadagascarAll 59 on the map ›What else is banned in Spain
Dog meatSurrogacyWild animals in circusesPotassium bromateSpankingPufferfishAnti-personnel landminesTitanium dioxide (E171)Plastic glitterDeclawing catsAnimal testing for makeupAzodicarbonamide (the yoga mat chemical)AsbestosChlorinated chickenCorporal punishment in schoolsCat meatEverything for Spain ›
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