<p>Global plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with scientific evidence showing that the Arctic has emerged as a major sink for global plastic waste. This study examines the challenges facing current legal instruments in addressing this crisis through a qualitative assessment of two key dimensions: regulatory design, focusing on legal coherence and institutional collaboration; and operational execution, encompassing stakeholder participation as well as monitoring and enforcement. The analysis reveals significant gaps in Arctic governance, including fragmented regulations, limited stakeholder engagement, and persistent enforcement difficulties. Moreover, recent geopolitical shifts in the Arctic further complicate the formulation and implementation of relevant legal frameworks. To address these challenges, the study proposes strengthening institutional design, transitioning Arctic plastic pollution governance towards a global framework, enhancing monitoring efforts and advancing Arctic governance through scientific diplomacy.</p>