KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has extended the implementation period of the 4th phase of the ban on specific types of single-use plastic products to July 1.

This is in response to concerns from stakeholders and aims to fine-tune administrative arrangements, facilitate further stakeholder engagement and ramp up additional public education around the plastic ban.

Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, in addressing the extended implementation time, 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 shared 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 micro plastics 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 micro beads or micro plastics. This will allow for thorough consultation and sensitisation among private sector stakeholders and regulatory authorities, ensuring a smooth transition.

According to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, 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.

It said it 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, the ministry noted that 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 micro beads or micro plastics; exempting transparent plastic lids related to single-use plastic food containers; and retaining the existing prohibition measures.

Importers will be required to submit a pre-shipment declaration, including a quality or inspection certificate from an internationally recognised 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 micro plastics, contaminating the food chain and marine environment. Marine animals often mistake these micro plastics for food, leading to adverse ecological impacts.

The Government said it is committed to mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution through stringent regulation of plastic products across their life cycle.

It added that this phased approach aims to promote sustainable practices and protect the natural ecosystem for future generations.