The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is advancing its efforts to safeguard human health and the environment with the implementation of the 4th phase of the ban on specific types of single-use plastic products. This policy target remains paramount.
The Government has however acknowledged concerns from stakeholders and decided to extend the implementation period by an additional month, to fine-tune administrative arrangements, facilitate further stakeholder engagement, and ramp up additional public education.
Sen. the Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, in addressing the extended implementation time, has made the point that “this additional one-month period will cause very little trade disruptions, but will enhance market readiness for the necessary changes”.
He went on to state that “Jamaica is progressing in line with implementing the measures that have proven to reduce Plastic waste, but in a manner that creates the least inflationary impact and trade disruptions”.
This phase targets single-use plastic food containers and microplastics in cosmetic and personal care products, marking a significant step towards regulating plastics from manufacture to disposal.
Effective July 1, 2024, the importation, distribution, sale, or use of any single-use plastic food container made wholly or in part of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactic acid (PLA) will be prohibited. This ban, however, excludes related transparent plastic lids until environmentally friendly alternatives become available. Additionally, existing stock imported before this date will be exempt.
Effective July 1, 2025, the ban will extend to personal care and cosmetic products containing intentionally added plastic microbeads or microplastics. This measure allows for thorough consultation and sensitization among private sector stakeholders and regulatory authorities, ensuring a smooth transition.
The Technical Working Group on single-use plastic products, comprising senior officers from various Agencies including the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, has been instrumental in shaping this phase of the ban. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has also engaged with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association and major importers and distributors of single-use plastic products to ensure comprehensive stakeholder input.
To facilitate the new regulations, amendments to The Trade (Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order, 2018 will be made. These include:
- Expanding the definition of ‘single-use plastic’ to encompass plastic food containers and cosmetic care products with microbeads or microplastics.
- Exempting transparent plastic lids related to single-use plastic food containers.
- Retaining the existing prohibition measures.
Importers will be required to submit a pre-shipment declaration, including a quality or inspection certificate from an internationally recognized accreditation body, to aid regulatory agencies in identifying target products at ports.
Plastic, while beneficial due to its inexpensive, flexible, durable, and lightweight characteristics, poses significant environmental hazards. Non-biodegradable plastics break down into microplastics, contaminating the food chain and marine environment. Marine animals often mistake these microplastics for food, leading to adverse ecological impacts.
The GOJ is committed to mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution through stringent regulation of plastic products across their life cycle. This phased approach aims to promote sustainable practices and protect the natural ecosystem for future generations.
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